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LB 552

Prohibit public postsecondary educational institutions from having a diversity, equity, and inclusion office and taking certain actions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Loren Lippincott

LB 552 bans DEI offices/programs in Nebraska public colleges, prohibits DEI-based hiring or participation as a condition of enrollment/work, with limited federal-law exceptions.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 552

Summary of Legislative Bill LB 552 (Nebraska)

LB 552 seeks to prohibit public postsecondary institutions in Nebraska from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or engaging in related DEI programming or practices.

Overview

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Committee: Education
  • Primary Sponsor: Senator Loren Lippincott
  • Current Status: Notice of hearing scheduled for March 17, 2025
  • Legislative actions to date: Referred to Education (Jan 24, 2025); hearing notice issued (Mar 10, 2025)

What the bill would do

  • Prohibit public postsecondary institutions from having a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office, hiring or contracting to perform DEI duties, or spending public money on DEI programs or offices.
  • Ban requirements for individuals to participate in DEI programs or to provide statements related to DEI.
  • Eliminate preferential treatment in hiring or other functions based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, except as required by federal law.
  • Prohibit state postsecondary institutions from compelling DEI participation as a condition of enrollment or employment.
  • Allow certain DEI-related activities only if specifically permitted by federal law or otherwise listed as exceptions (see “Exceptions” below).

Definitions (key terms)

  • Appropriate governing board: Includes the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, the Nebraska State Colleges Board, or the governing board of any community college within the state system.
  • DEI office: Any unit established to influence hiring, promote differential treatment, implement policies based on race/ethnicity/gender identity/sexual orientation, or conduct DEI programs, with limited exceptions.
  • DEI program: Trainings or activities focusing on power structures, bias, or related theories and concepts (with enumerated examples).

Prohibited actions (core restrictions)

  • Establishment or maintenance of a DEI office.
  • Hiring a person or contracting to perform DEI duties.
  • Compelling or soliciting DEI statements or giving preferential treatment based on protected characteristics.
  • Requiring participation in a DEI program as a condition of enrollment or employment.
  • Spending public funds on a DEI program or DEI office.

Exceptions and permissible activities

LB 552 preserves certain activities, provided they are not DEI programs as defined, or are required by federal law:
- Training on sexual harassment.
- Existence of legal offices or staff whose sole purpose is ensuring compliance with law or court orders.
- Self-disclosure or reporting related to grant applications or accreditation that highlights support for first-generation, low-income, or underserved student populations, or compliance with antidiscrimination laws.
- Data collection related to demographics.
- Scholarly research or artistic work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Allowing or approving student organization activities, guest speakers, or short-term engagements, subject to other rules.

Enforcement and remedies

  • An employee required to participate in a DEI program may bring an action against the institution.
  • If the employee proves a violation, they may be entitled to injunctive relief.

Who would be affected

  • Public postsecondary institutions in Nebraska, including:
    • University of Nebraska system (Board of Regents)
    • Nebraska State Colleges
    • Nebraska community colleges
  • Employees and contractors involved with DEI activities or programs
  • Students and prospective students, in terms of DEI participation requirements (or lack thereof)

Timeline and process

  • Introduced and first read: January 22, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: January 24, 2025
  • Hearing: March 17, 2025 (as of notice)

Bottom line

LB 552 targets the elimination of DEI offices and related DEI activities within Nebraska’s public postsecondary system, while laying out specific exceptions and protections for compliance with federal law and other non-DEI activities. The bill would significantly reshape how institutions address diversity, inclusion, and related training, with potential legal and operational implications for universities, colleges, and their employees.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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