The Idaho State Board of Education has voted to approve a measure that would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at all public universities in the state.
of solution Universities may establish DEI offices, establish student resource centers based on DEI ideology, or consider “individual identity characteristics” (race, color, gender, sexual You may not exploit anyone's orientation, national origin, religion, or gender identity. . (Related: Major university accreditors withdraw plans to withdraw from DEI after complaints from blue state schools)
“Our actions as a board today send a message to all Idaho students that our educational institutions are ready to meet their needs whatever they may need when they walk through our doors. We believe this is a strong demonstration,” said Board Chair Dr. Linda Clark. said In a statement. “I look forward to seeing our university implement these resolutions as we continue to address this issue as a board.”
According to its text, the resolution aims to “ensure the success of all students, regardless of their personal identity characteristics.” Universities are also prohibited from asking staff or students to “declare their gender identity or preferred pronouns in any communication.”
A general view of Albertsons Stadium on the Boise State campus on September 15, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Universities have already been forced to abandon race-based admissions decisions after the Supreme Court found them unconstitutional in 2023, but that hasn't stopped attempts to circumvent the ruling. Instead, the school launched an outreach campaign that explicitly targeted non-white students in an effort to desegregate the student body.
Some DEI programs have been phased out elsewhere, with Texas and Florida passing similar state-wide bans. Other states, schools and companies are also considering eliminating programs, including the University of Michigan, which hosts the nation's largest and most expensive program.
The board also solution It calls on higher education institutions to maintain “political neutrality” and protect students' rights to freedom of speech and expression, “including controversial, unpopular, or offensive speech.” .
“Each institution has a solemn responsibility not only to promote the freedom to discuss and scrutinize all ideas in appropriate forums, but also to protect that freedom when others seek to restrict that freedom.” The resolution states:
Some schools have been embroiled in controversy over their response to the violent and destructive protests that have hit campuses across the United States since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Many schools had to cancel classes and graduation ceremonies due to the unrest, while the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) even allowed encampments that prevented Jewish students from entering parts of campus. Ta.
The board did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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