Louisiana House Bill HCR20

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/12/21
• Refer: 4/13/21
• Report Pass: 4/28/21
• Engrossed: 5/5/21
• Refer: 5/6/21
• Report Pass: 5/17/21
• Passed: 5/19/21

Caption

Requests that the governor appoint additional women to public postsecondary education boards so that women will comprise at least fifty percent of each board's membership by July 1, 2023

Impact

If enacted, HCR20 could significantly impact state laws regarding the governance of public education institutions in Louisiana. By urging the governor to ensure equal representation of women, the resolution seeks to create a more equitable decision-making process in educational oversight. The push for gender parity reflects a broader societal trend towards inclusion and the recognition of women's contributions in leadership roles. The resolution emphasizes that having diverse perspectives in governance is crucial to addressing the varied needs of the state's student population.

Summary

HCR20 is a resolution requesting that the Governor of Louisiana appoint additional women to the boards of public postsecondary education institutions. The goal is to ensure that women comprise at least fifty percent of the membership of each board by July 1, 2023. As of early 2021, women's representation on these boards was notably low, with figures ranging from 20% to 26.67%, despite women making up approximately fifty-one percent of the state's population according to census data. This resolution aims to address this disparity in representation and promote gender equity in educational governance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR20 appears to be largely positive, particularly among supporters who view it as a necessary step towards achieving gender equity in leadership positions. The resolution has garnered support from various legislators who recognize the importance of equal representation. However, there may be contention from those who are resistant to legislative measures aimed at enforcing diversity quotas, arguing that appointments should be made purely on merit rather than gender considerations. This debate underscores ongoing societal discussions regarding equity and representation in governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the effectiveness of mandated gender quotas in achieving true equity. Critics may argue that such measures could lead to tokenism rather than genuine inclusion, potentially undermining the stated goals of the resolution. Additionally, the resolution’s requirement for the governor to act on these appointments raises questions about executive power and the role of legislative bodies in shaping governance policies. As board members' terms expire and new appointments become possible, the actual execution of HCR20's goals will be put to the test.