A bill that would ban Louisiana’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs provoked charges of racism by Black legislators, an anguished response from White colleagues and tears by the measure’s sponsor when it was debated on the floor of the state House of Representatives.

That was more than two weeks ago. Since then, House Bill 685 has remained stuck on the Senate calendar, dying on the vine, in the final days of the legislative session.

As she does when all House-passed bills first reach her chamber, Senate Secretary Yolanda Dixon announced the bill and its title on May 20. But Dixon, following instructions from Senate President Cameron Henry, then announced that HB685 was being returned to the calendar.

And it has sat there since then, unheard.

In an interview, Henry, R-Metairie

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