Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor, Micah Beckwith, recently took a strong stance against state Senate Democrats who criticized a GOP-led anti-discrimination bill by linking it to the historical Three-Fifths Compromise. This exchange occurred during a heated debate in the Indiana State Senate, where Beckwith defended the bill as a necessary measure to address issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education.
The controversial legislation, known as Senate Bill 289, aims to limit DEI programs in K-12 schools, public universities, and state agencies. It also allows individuals to sue institutions that promote the idea that one race or group is superior to another. Beckwith argued that comparing this bill to the Three-Fifths Compromise misrepresents its intent and historical context.
In his remarks, Beckwith emphasized that the Three-Fifths Compromise, established during the 1787 Constitutional Convention, was not a tool for discrimination as some claim. Instead, he argued it was a strategic decision made by Northern states to limit the political power of slave-holding Southern states. By counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes, Beckwith said the compromise actually curtailed the influence of pro-slavery representatives in Congress.
He urged critics to reconsider their understanding of history, suggesting that many people today have been misled about the origins and implications of the Three-Fifths Compromise. Beckwith expressed concern that educational institutions are not teaching the full story, leading to a distorted view of America’s past.
The bill passed the Indiana House with a vote of 64-26 and the Senate with 34-16, and it is now on Governor Mike Braun’s desk for approval. Critics of the legislation argue that it overlooks the historical context of discrimination in the U.S., including references to the Three-Fifths Compromise, Jim Crow laws, and housing discrimination.
Beckwith concluded his remarks by asserting that the Three-Fifths Compromise was a step towards greater equality, paving the way for future advancements in civil rights. He called on people to educate themselves on historical documents to gain a clearer understanding of the nation’s journey toward equality and justice for all.