Alabama legislators approve comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) prohibition for colleges and public schools

Alabama Legislature Passes Comprehensive DEI Ban

The ‌Alabama legislature⁤ has‍ sent a sweeping diversity, equity, and ⁢inclusion‍ ban to Gov.‍ Kay Ivey’s (R-AL) desk that would bar the race and gender ‌ideology in universities, public schools, and other state institutions.

Lawmakers in the Yellowhammer State⁢ sent Senate ​Bill 129 to Ivey on Tuesday, ‌and it awaits a signature. The bill would prohibit ‍state promotion of DEI and other “divisive concepts,”⁢ dealing a blow to the​ $16 ⁤million bureaucracy built around the ⁤ideology ‌at state universities.

Stricter Regulations on DEI Programs

• State agencies ‌and schools prohibited‌ from supporting DEI-related programs
• No‌ mandatory DEI pledges for faculty, ​staff, and students
• At least eight public universities in Alabama have dedicated DEI programs

Such “divisive concepts” include the‍ idea that “any race, ‌color, religion, sex, ethnicity,‍ or national origin is​ inherently superior or inferior,” that any individual should be discriminated ⁤against⁢ because of those characteristics, and more.

Backlash against DEI‌ Ideologies

Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot emphasized the need for academic ⁤integrity and knowledge pursuit over destructive ideologies in higher ⁢education. The bill aims to ⁤unite people based on commonalities rather than divisive‍ factors.

Alabama institutions, such as the University of ⁣Alabama System, are preparing for the law, anticipating changes in line with the upcoming legislation.

Impact and Response

If signed, Alabama will be among the states, ⁤like Texas and Florida, to outlaw DEI at⁤ universities. The move mirrors a nationwide‌ trend,⁤ with many states introducing bills to curb DEI ideology in educational settings.

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