Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith criticized state Senate Democrats for equating a GOP legislative proposal aimed at curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education with the Three-Fifths Compromise. Beckwith argued that the Three-Fifths Compromise was not a pro-discrimination measure but rather an effort by the North to limit pro-slavery representation in Congress, contrary to the Democrats' portrayal. The GOP-sponsored bill, Senate Bill 289, passed both chambers of the state legislature and seeks to limit DEI programs in schools and state agencies, promoting transparency and merit-based systems. Beckwith emphasized the historical context of the Three-Fifths Compromise, asserting that it was a strategic move to prevent the South from increasing its representation by counting slaves fully as part of the population. He accused contemporary educators of misrepresenting this history, leading to misconceptions about the compromise and its role in American history.

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith condemned Democrats for comparing a Republican-led anti-DEI bill to the Three-Fifths Compromise, claiming the latter was intended to reduce pro-slavery influence rather than promote discrimination.

Senate Bill 289, which passed in Indiana, restricts DEI initiatives in educational and state institutions and allows legal action against entities that promote inherent racial or ethnic superiority or blame individuals for past actions of their race.

Beckwith stated that the Three-Fifths Compromise, established in 1787, was a negotiation intended to limit the South's power by counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation purposes, which was a tactic to undermine pro-slavery forces.

The bill follows Governor Mike Braun's executive directive prioritizing merit over DEI considerations in state governance and education, reflecting a broader Republican stance against perceived 'radical revisionist history'.

Critics argue that the bill disregards historical discrimination legacies, while Beckwith insists that modern interpretations of the Three-Fifths Compromise fail to recognize its role in curbing the expansion of slavery.

Beckwith criticized educators for allegedly not teaching the true history of the compromise, which he believes was a step towards the eventual abolition of slavery and equal representation for all citizens.

The passage of the anti-DEI bill reflects ongoing political tensions around historical interpretation and educational policies in Indiana, with significant implications for how history and equality are taught in schools.