Idaho legislature has recently proposed a senate bill that would prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts (DEI) in higher education if passed. The bill was first presented in December 2023, intending to move forward in 2024.
This bill, Senate Bill No. 1357, advances the idea of the Higher Education Fairness Act, as an amendment to Idaho’s education statute, Title 33. This act would prohibit diversity training and political loyalty tests to stop the influence of such things on hiring or employment practices within higher education. The passing of this bill would impact the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University, as well as community colleges and public career technical schools.
The bill is sponsored by State Senators Brian Lenney and Scott Herndon, and Representative Elaine Price.
“This bill aligns Idaho with a national growing trend,” Lenney said in a press release. “We’re taking a stand against the unnecessary expenditure on DEI bureaucracies, focusing our resources on academic excellence and merit-based opportunities. Our goal is to ensure a fair and effective educational system for all Idahoans, free from the influences of identity politics.”
As stated in the press release, the bill would bar the use of funds to support DEI offices and employees in higher education, eliminate the consideration of diversity statements in employment and admissions processes, and prohibit mandatory diversity training for any students, faculty, or staff. The passing of this bill would return approximately $4.5 million back to the general funds of Idaho universities.
“This isn’t just about streamlining operations; it’s about ensuring taxpayer dollars are used in the most efficient way possible to support the primary educational needs of our students,” Lenney said.
The act would also ban any “trainings, programs or activities designed or implemented about race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability or religion.” For UI specifically, this would mean the loss of programs such as the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Black and African American Cultural Center (BAACC), the LGBTQA Office, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Women’s Center. This would also lead to the loss of 16 different employment positions at UI, including directors, project and communications coordinators, and administrative assistants within the diversity programs.
From the text of the bill, the act would prohibit the allocation of funds towards any “diversity training” and “political loyalty tests,” with “diversity training” referring to any mandatory diversity training in classes or employment and “political loyalty test” meaning any test given to weigh political views in admissions, employment applications, hiring, contract renewal, and promotion processes. “Political loyalty tests” also allude to any preferential consideration to an applicant, teacher, employee, or student for their opinions expressed towards others with a certain race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
However, the act does allow the continuation of student organizations for DEI. The bill also makes an allowance where universities are not prevented to “certify compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws,” to “discuss pedagogical approaches or experience with students with mental or physical disabilities,” to “affirm fidelity to or provide an oath to uphold the constitution and laws of the state of Idaho and the United States,” or for any discussion of an applicant’s scholarly research or creative works, according to the bill.
If the bill passes, the Higher Education Fairness Act would take effect 90 days after the legislative sessions at which it was enacted. Should a university continue to sponsor DEI programs after the enactment of the bill, any individual would be able to notify the attorney general of the violation and the attorney general may file for a “writ of mandamus.”
DEI programs at UI provide a range of support and safe spaces to many students. The LGBTQA Office offers a safe and welcoming space for students to explore sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in a non-judgmental atmosphere. The Women’s Center promotes and advocates for gender equity in every aspect of campus and community life and offers a safe space for all which includes a kitchenette with free beverages, lactation and baby-changing areas, lounge areas, and study rooms. The BAACC supports Black and African American students with an environment that is affirming, welcoming, equitable, inclusive, and diverse. It fosters a sense of belonging to advance potential and growth in students. All these programs seek to create a sense of belonging on campus.
For the Higher Education Fairness Act to become law, a vote must be passed by a majority vote of each house of the Legislature and be signed into law by Governor Brad Little. If the governor vetoes the bill, it may still become law if the veto is overridden by two-thirds of those present in each house, as stated by the Idaho Legislature.
DEI staff did not respond for comment.
The bill is currently on its first read and will require at least two more readings before it may be passed into law.
Rebekah Weaver can be reached at [email protected].
Keith
DEI is inherently discriminatory. It treats people different based on who they are rather than the merit they've worked for. Specifically, it negatively impacts white people who are more qualified than those of other races, giving lesser qualified people advantages over those who actually deserve it. It's wrong.
Rod
DEI provides a safe space for everyone except... straight white religious folks. It must DIE.