Utah joined other Republican states this week in moving away from the DEI regime.
Republican state Rep. Katie Hall
HB261among six bills, Gov. Spencer Cox (Republican) ratified Tuesday bans universities, public education systems, and state governments from engaging in discriminatory DEI practices.
HB 261, entitled “Equal Opportunity Initiative,” prohibits these state agencies from using a person’s unchanging characteristics in decisions about employment or education. It also prohibits requiring people to submit documents or participate in training that “promotes discriminatory treatment” before, during, or after admission or employment.
Schools and government agencies once tasked with discriminating on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, and other immutable characteristics are similarly prohibited. So each department of the university is like a chief diversity officer.
emma houston‘s accomplishments at the University of Utah will soon be history.
The law also requires the Utah State Board of Higher Education, the State Board of Education, the State Auditor, and the Executive Director to implement equal opportunity policies as a means of preventing a return to a discriminatory system that is increasingly favored in a variety of areas. Requires periodic review and reporting of compliance status.
blue state So do corporate advocates like billionaire Mark Cuban.
State Sen. Keith Glover, who co-sponsored the bill with Hall, said:
Said“This bill ensures that students and faculty can freely express their opinions while ensuring that educational institutions remain neutral on political issues.”
Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) thanked Hall, Glover and others who sponsored HB 261.
emphasize X“Utah is eliminating funding for divisive DEI programs and replacing them with programs that provide equal opportunity access to all children, regardless of race, creed, or color. MLK’s dream lives on. I am.”
Former Utah Republican Party Chairman James Evans, Utah’s first Black Republican state senator, said HB 261 would “ensure that every student at risk of graduating from college is given the right to graduate school based on their individual needs, rather than their individual needs.” “This will expand opportunities for additional support based on this.” We have a group identity, but what are their specific needs?”
report Deseret News.
Nathan Duell, Utah state director for Heritage Action, praised both the Utah Legislature and Cox for getting the bill across the finish line.
Says“Today is a great day for Utahns. HB 261 is a victory for academic freedom, opportunity, and debate, and shows that discriminatory DEI policies have no place in the Beehive State.”
Governor Cox recently began a transfer.
return to right He said this while seeking re-election as governor. statement“We are concerned about some DEI programs and policies, particularly employment practices, and this bill provides a balanced solution.”
“We strongly believe that Utah is stronger because of our diversity, and we remain committed to maintaining a state where everyone can thrive,” the governor continued. “Over the past three years, our administration has worked very intentionally with many community stakeholders to expand opportunities for all Utahns, and we will continue to do so.”
Cox sought to distinguish Utah’s attack on DEI from “other states that have simply eliminated DEI funding without providing alternatives for students who may be facing hardship.”
Cox argued that Utah has not followed the “lead” of other states, but Utah has followed the path blazed by Florida and Texas.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in February 2023 ordering all public agencies in the Lone Star State to cease DEI practices.
Abbott in May ratified SB 17 shut down DEI offices and programs at universities across the state.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (Republican) signed the bill In May 2023, we will end funding for discriminatory DEI programs at Florida State universities and colleges.
“When you see this in action across the country, you might as well think of DEI as advocating discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination.”
Said DeSantis. “And that cannot be tolerated in our public institutions.”
DeSantis’ commitment to DEI continues to pay off.Just last week, the Florida Board of Governors
I voted Prohibit state spending on DEI programs at all public universities.
Other red states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, have overwhelmingly defeated the Beehive State in legislation and legislation.
presidential order It’s on the books prohibiting DEI funding and employment requirements.
according to According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, 52 anti-DEI laws have been introduced since 2023. Eight of them appear to have been passed into law so far.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press
shown A left-wing counterattack is underway. Democrats have introduced at least 20 bills defending DEI in nine states, including Florida.
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
