The push to ditch public affirmative action is back, and it’s uglier than ever.
Last session, fifteen Arkansas state senators voted against SB71, Dan Sullivan’s 2023 bill to gut public affirmative action programs. Why did these senators withhold their support? At the time, we thought it was because they saw the bill for what it was: a racist, backward attempt to roll back decades of progress on equal opportunity.
Here we are two years later, discussing SB3, Dan’s 2025 version of the bill. Suddenly, a handful of senators who once opposed this bill have flip-flopped, choosing politics over principle.
A bit about SB3: is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It claims to fight “discrimination,” but in reality the proposed law is designed to gut affirmative action, erase diversity initiatives, and cement systemic inequity in public education, public health, small business, and more. SB3 strips protections that have helped level the playing field for historically marginalized communities, and it does so under the guise of “fairness.”
Back to the flip floppers: why the change of tune? We can’t know for sure but in committee, Dan effusively praised President Trump’s anti diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) executive order. The national push to end equity programs in the name of MAGA culture war are likely influencing Trump/Sanders loyalists in the legislature.
The governor (and president) have made it clear that loyalty to their agenda comes before everything — including integrity. Several legislators who previously voted against SB3 have now abandoned their so-called values to fall in line.
They either never had a moral compass to begin with, or their past opposition was nothing more than performative politics.
🛑 The Flip-Floppers
Here’s who betrayed their own votes and their constituents to back SB3 this go around:
- Breanne Davis
- Jimmy Hickey
- Missy Irvin
- Blake Johnson
- Bryan King
- Jim Petty
- Dave Wallace
These lawmakers had a choice: stand up for fairness and equal opportunity, or bow to political pressure. They chose the latter. Their votes tell us they don’t actually care about opportunity for all Arkansans —they only care about keeping power and staying in the good graces of Trump and the Governor.
Hold Them Accountable
1️⃣ Flood the flip floppers with calls and emails. Ask for an explanation for their flip-flop. Keep a record of what they say.
2️⃣ Call them out publicly. Social media, letters to the editor, etc. —wherever they show up, let them know you’re watching.
3️⃣ Support candidates who actually stand for equity and fairness. These lawmakers have shown they can’t be trusted. Find someone who can.
4️⃣ Remind them at the ballot box. When they come asking for your vote, remember this vote. Their political convenience came at the cost of opportunity.
