As compiled by Fox News, six U.S. states have moved to ban or limit the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public colleges and universities. This wave of legislation, primarily pushed by Republican lawmakers, marks a significant shift in how educational institutions approach DEI programs. The efforts reflect a growing backlash against what critics see as an ideological movement that promotes divisiveness in higher education.
The Rise of State-Level Legislation
In 2024, states such as Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, and Utah have introduced or passed laws that restrict DEI practices in their public universities. The debate surrounding DEI has become increasingly contentious in recent years, with many Republicans labeling such programs as vehicles for promoting “left-wing” or “far-left” ideologies. Civil rights attorney Devon Westhill, a vocal critic of DEI, has described it as an “industry” pushing ideologies that create division rather than unity in American society.
Utah became one of the first states to introduce such legislation in January. Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, signed a law that prohibits public institutions from engaging in any practices that could be seen as discriminatory or divisive based on an individual’s personal identity. The law specifically targets DEI-related programs and training, barring any requirement for students or staff to undergo such activities. The legislation also prohibits schools from holding individuals accountable for actions based on group identity, such as race or ethnicity, and ensures that no one is held responsible for past injustices committed by others.
Alabama Takes Action in March
In March, Alabama followed suit when Republican Governor Kay Ivey signed SB 129 into law. The new law bans certain DEI offices, alongside restrictions on the promotion of what it deems “divisive concepts.” Among the prohibited ideas are claims that individuals should feel guilt based on their identity, such as race or gender, and that meritocracy, or the value of traits like a strong work ethic, are inherently racist or sexist. The law also includes provisions that require restrooms in public institutions to be used according to biological sex rather than gender identity. It introduces penalties for non-compliance in state-funded educational institutions.
Indiana and Kansas Join the Movement
Indiana and Kansas also passed significant DEI-related legislation in March. Indiana’s new law amends the duties of state educational institutions’ diversity committees to focus more on “intellectual diversity.” It restricts the promotion of race- and sex-related concepts in classrooms. Kansas similarly moved to reduce DEI’s role in its public universities, signaling that the trend is not limited to any one region.
The actions of these states highlight a broader trend where a growing number of state legislatures are seeking to curb DEI in higher education, signaling an ongoing national debate about the role of such initiatives in shaping young minds and the future of public education.
