Republicans said they are guarding against programs that 'deepen divisions,' but Black Democrats called it an effort to roll back affirmative action programs that welcome and encourage diversity.
Republicans said they are guarding against programs that"deepen divisions," but Black Democrats called it an effort to roll back affirmative action programs that welcome and encourage diversity.By MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday gave final approval to a bill that would outlaw paid assistance with absentee ballot applications and another that would restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities and state agencies.
"Any person can still get anyone's help with applications, but no part of that application can be pre-filled. That's all," Republican Sen. Garlan Gudger, the bill's sponsor, said."There's a lot of pressure when some people say, 'I want you to vote this way,' and give them an application. You can't do that. You have to have it blank," Gudger said.
Jerome Dees, Alabama policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, said in a statement that the"cruel legislation aims to criminalize the charitable acts of good Samaritans across the state, whether from neighbors, church members, nursing home staffers, or prison chaplains."
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