Efforts to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are gaining traction in state capitals and college boards, with actions taken in about one-third of the states. Tennessee recently passed legislation prohibiting financial institutions from considering customer participation in DEI training or social justice programming.
In Kansas, a law was enacted that prevents DEI statements from influencing decisions about student admissions, financial aid, or employment at higher education institutions. Iowa’s legislature approved a budget bill banning all non-essential DEI offices and initiatives in higher education.
Republican lawmakers in approximately two dozen states have introduced bills this year to restrict DEI initiatives. These are countered by Democrats sponsoring supportive DEI measures in about 20 states.
Concerns have been raised by conservative groups that DEI initiatives promote an agenda prioritizing racial or gender identity over individual merit. Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, stated the ultimate goal is to “abolish DEI in all American institutions.”
In response, the Race and Equity Center at the University of Southern California launched a “National DEI Defense Fund,” offering free professional development courses where publicly funded DEI training has been banned.
Last year, Florida and Texas became the first states to adopt laws banning DEI efforts in higher education, leading to the elimination of over 100 DEI-related jobs in Texas universities and similar reductions in Florida. This year, Republican governors in Alabama, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming signed laws restricting DEI efforts in higher education, K-12 schools, and state government.
Facing political pressure, some universities have revised their DEI practices.
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
