Investigation Called for on Idaho Anti-DEI Law Compliance
A watchdog group is urging the Idaho attorney general to investigate claims that four universities in the state are trying to bypass new regulations established by the Freedom of Research in Higher Education Act, which took effect in July. This law prohibits institutions from mandating students to take DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) courses that are unrelated to their field of study. However, it allows schools to request exemptions for programs focused primarily on race, ethnicity, or gender studies.
The Goldwater Institute reports that some schools may already be attempting to navigate around these new rules. According to Parker Jackson, a staff attorney at the Institute, the law aims to prevent students from being coerced into taking courses that propagate what he describes as “discriminatory ideologies” against their will. He notes that this particularly impacts degree programs like social work and psychology, which typically do not include subjects like critical race theory or gender studies.
Jackson states, “The entire purpose of this law is to protect students from being forced into irrelevant DEI courses for graduation.” Yet, institutions like the University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University, and Lewis-Clark State University are reportedly applying for exemptions that may not align with the law’s intent, as indicated in a letter addressed to Attorney General Raul Labrador.
Furthermore, the letter critiques a memo released by the Idaho State Board of Education just before the law went into effect. This memorandum is said to misinterpret the law and expand the exemptions beyond what was intended. Jackson expressed concern over this, asserting that the board altered the guidance to allow degree programs with DEI obligations to qualify for exemptions.
Jackson remarked, “It seems like a distortion of the law.” He further explained that the intent was clear: any course requirements should focus explicitly on race, gender, or ethnicity. Yet the board’s interpretation could potentially allow broader categories to evade the restrictions.
Currently, some programs are insisting on DEI-related courses even when their titles do not indicate a primary focus on related studies. For example, a course in the University of Idaho’s sociology program titled “Introduction to Inequality and Justice” has received an exemption based on its association with the Sociology degree — a program that does not primarily center on race or gender studies.
In response, Jackson emphasizes the need for the attorney general to review the waivers granted across the mentioned universities, ensuring they comply with the Freedom of Research in Higher Education Act.
The letter concludes with a pressing request for Labrador to scrutinize both the exemptions provided so far and the accompanying memo sent to educational institutions.
Jackson argues that taxpayer money should not support what he describes as left-wing indoctrination, asserting that these laws are designed to shield unsuspecting students, who are simply pursuing their degrees, from unnecessary political influence. He expresses a desire for students in fields like social work and psychology to pursue their studies without facing radical ideologies.
Both the University of Idaho and Idaho State University referred inquiries to the Idaho State Board of Education, which stated it would fully cooperate with the attorney general’s office, although it could not provide further comments at this time. Boise State University has not yet responded to requests for comment.
