COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – A heated debate occurred on the senate floor over a bill which could impact every business, school and state agency in South Carolina.

Republicans said if passed, H. 3927 would support merit-based hiring and end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Many Democrats wore black to the debate, saying they are mourning the death of humanity as they know it.

“The efforts that this bill is bringing to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion is worth mourning. It is a sad day here in the state of South Carolina, but we don’t grieve as those without hope,” said Representative Hamilton Grant (D – Richland).

The bill would ban programs based on diversity, equity, and inclusion in local governments, state agencies, school districts, and public colleges. The bill was amended in committee so it would not impact private businesses contracted by the state.

“Through the committee process, it was discovered that if you don’t get that right, you’re going to end up with contract issues with contracts you already have in place. So, we want to make sure we get those things right,” said Representative Steven Long (R – Spartanburg).

Support of this bill appears to run along party lines.

Long said Democrats want to correct previous discrimination with current discrimination, “We need to get away from this idea of group identity. The smallest minority group is the individual. So really focused on individual rights of not some kind of a group type identity basis.”

Grant said the bill sends the wrong message; he said it’s the opposite of inclusivity and fairness.

“If passed, this legislation will send a very clear signal that South Carolina is not a state that values inclusivity, equal opportunity, or the ability to make decisions that serve their communities.”

Chairwoman of the Black Caucus, Representative Annie McDaniel (D – Fairfield) said this bill works against celebrating differences and eliminates them.

The debate adjourned and will continue next week.