The Idaho Board of Education on Wednesday approved efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities.
After months of debate, the board unanimously agreed to Resolution Idaho institutions “may not be required to have specific structures or activities related to DEI.”
In short, institutions will “establish and maintain equality of opportunity for all students regardless of individual identity characteristics,” “ensure that no central offices, policies, processes, or initiatives are dedicated to DEI ideology,” and ” Ensure that no employee or student is “required to declare gender identity or preferred pronouns.”
The Board defines DEI ideology as “any approach that gives priority to ‘personal identity characteristics’ (race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion or gender identity) over personal merit.”
In addition to banning mandatory gender identification, the Board also banned diversity statements in hiring practices or any decisions regarding employment or education based on “personal identity characteristics.”
The board also approved a resolution that mandates protections for free speech and expression on campuses.
“Institutions must maintain political neutrality, protect the free expression rights of speakers, protect the safety of those who participate in constitutionally protected speech, expose campus communities to diverse viewpoints, and respond to the demands of the marketplace.” Programs designed to educate students and faculty about the institutions’ role as Of ideas,” it read.
The board acknowledged that the proposal would not prevent universities from promoting non-discriminatory activities, awarding scholarships, or allowing student clubs based on “political or social issues.”
All changes are expected to be implemented by June 30, 2025.
In a press release provided to Fox News Digital, the board reiterated its support for the determination and optimism for universities moving forward.
“I believe our actions today as a board are a strong signal to all students of Idaho that our institutions are ready to meet any of their needs as they walk through the door. I look forward to seeing our universities implement these proposals as we continue to work on this issue as a board,” said Board Chair Dr. Linda Clark.
“I am proud of our institutions for moving forward through these resolutions and making meaningful changes to our institutions,” said Joshua Whitworth, director of the Office of the State Board of Education. “By working closely with our institutions and the Governor’s Office, the Board has made a commitment to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.”
The proposal was originally adopted in April 2023 and primarily focused on prohibiting diversity statements in recruiting. The following year, the resolution was amended to codify the language and subsequently ban diversity statements in admissions.
In November, the board presented a draft of the new proposal and received feedback from both university leaders and students. Since that time, many universities have already begun to scale down DEI initiatives.
on Tuesday before the resolution Boise State University announced The Student Equity Center and Gender Equity Center were closed during the Thanksgiving break, an email said.
“We have all heard conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion across the country and in higher education this year,” BSU administrators said in an email. “The Idaho State Board of Education developed proposals for Idaho universities, and we provided feedback. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve all students while striving to be responsive to the expectations of our Governing Board.
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