The legislature of Alabama has recently passed a bill that aims to prohibit the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts in state institutions, including universities and public schools. The bill, if signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, would prevent state agencies and schools from endorsing DEI-related programs or mandatory pledges related to DEI for faculty, staff, and students.
Barfoot confirmed, “Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies. This legislation will build bridges to celebrate what people have in common, not erect walls that silo people into the idea that their race, religion, and sexual orientation solely define who they are and how society should view them.”
Additionally, the bill would restrict the use of restrooms in institutions of higher education based on biological sex.
If the bill gets signed, Alabama will be among the states like Texas and Florida that have also banned DEI at their universities. Florida even had layoffs for DEI staff, while Texas faced challenges where former DEI staff were reassigned to different departments but still carried out DEI functions.
According to the Washington Examiner, this has been part of a broader trend with 80 bills introduced in 28 states and U.S. Congress since 2023 to limit DEI ideology. The Chronicle of Higher Education noted that nine of these bills have passed all legislative stages, with eight becoming law.