Alabama’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a new rule to stop state funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities, local education boards, and government agencies.
The legislation It also limits the teaching of “divisive concepts” about race and gender, and bars transgender students from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity at public universities and colleges.
According to the law, “divisive concepts” are described as assigning “fault, blame or bias” to any race, religion, gender, or nationality.
The law also states that teaching concepts like holding a person accountable for past actions or making them feel guilty, complicit, or in need of apologizing based on their race, religion, gender, or background are also divisive.
However, the law specifies that DEI programs and discussions are allowed on campuses, as long as state funds are not used for these activities.
The passing of the law led to tensions between Democrats and Republicans.
While Republican State Rep. Ed Oliver, a main supporter of the law, criticized DEI initiatives for trying to “deepen divisions, establish race-exclusionary programs, and indoctrinate students into a far-left political ideology,” Democrats across the state have argued about the constitutionality of such restrictions and the impact on Black students, staff, and faculty.
Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham, even urged Black students to seek universities outside the state that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Republicans are concerned about DEI issues.
As of July 2023, at least 22 states have introduced laws that aim to address diversity and inclusion efforts. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, both Florida and Texas have started to dismiss DEI positions.
Last week, the NAACP called on Black students to boycott Florida universities. At least eight of Alabama’s public colleges have a specific office devoted to DEI efforts. They have collectively spent $16 million on diversity initiatives like recruitment, improving graduation rates, and campus cultural events and programs. urged Students across the state have shown disapproval of the new law. A petition against the law has gained nearly 6,000 signatures as of Tuesday evening.
The petition argues that the law puts LGBTQ-supporting organizations, African American studies programs, and Divine Nine Greek life at risk.
“Our universities thrive on our diverse communities and the exchange of ideas they foster,” the petition states. petition The law now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey (R) for her approval. If she signs it, the law will come into effect on Oct. 1.
Alabama’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a new rule to stop state funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities, local education boards, and government agencies. It also limits the teaching of “divisive concepts” about race and gender, and bars transgender students from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity at public universities and colleges.
“Our universities thrive on our diverse communities and the exchange of ideas they foster,” the petition states.
The legislation now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey (R), for her signature. If she signs the bill, the law would go into effect on Oct. 1.
