Six states have taken legislative action this year to ban or limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public colleges and universities.
Key Facts:
– The six states are Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, and Utah.
– One of these states, Kansas, has a Democratic governor who allowed the legislation to pass without her signature.
– New laws broadly prohibit DEI offices, “divisive concepts,” and related teachings or requirements.
– Several states introduced penalties, such as fines, for higher institutions that use or endorse DEI practices.
– Some states also require public colleges to follow biological sex definitions for restroom use.
The Rest of The Story:
Over the past year, these states have passed laws that either significantly reduce or completely remove DEI initiatives in their public colleges.
Lawmakers behind these measures argue that DEI programs force specific views on students and staff.
Governors from both major political parties have been involved, though most are Republican-led efforts.
Critics of DEI, including civil rights attorney Devon Westhill, say it promotes an ideological viewpoint that is out of step with many Americans.
Supporters of DEI, meanwhile, believe these initiatives create fair opportunities in education.
As more states evaluate their positions on this topic, public institutions face tight restrictions on what they can teach or require of students and employees.
NEW: Marc Andreessen reveals how Trump's DOJ appointee, Harmeet Dhillon, is poised to demolish corporate DEI policies.
🔥🔥🔥
Dhillon, a fierce critic of woke corporate culture, is now leading the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
"The Justice Department's Civil… pic.twitter.com/mqMAJg1Ybb
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) December 28, 2024
Commentary:
These bans prove that the states involved are on the right side of history by ending policies that many see as forced conformity.
This move signals that the rest of the country should follow suit or prepare for federal intervention if the Trump administration returns to power.
It is likely that all remaining states will soon outlaw DEI through legislation or face pressure to drop programs that advocate certain perspectives.
Either way, DEI appears to be on the brink of becoming a thing of the past in American higher education.
The Bottom Line:
Six states have shut the door on DEI in their public colleges, and many expect more to do the same.
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Whether through voluntary measures or federal action, DEI’s days in higher education seem numbered.