(DailyEmailNews.com) – The Idaho Board of Education banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the public universities of the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Boise State University, and Lewis-Clark State College.
This decision, aiming to prioritize individual merit, veers away from the DEI ideologies many conservatives see as divisive.
As expected, this ruling has sparked wide-ranging reactions, especially from the university leadership and student bodies.
This resolution bans DEI-focused offices, initiatives, and student success centers, reflecting the board’s position that higher education should not enforce such criteria.
Idaho’s state universities now face a significant shift, with mandates eliminating diversity statements from hiring and admissions practices. Universities have until June 30 to overhaul their student success programs to fit within these new guidelines.
In several tense discussions, the board made its stance clear despite over 700 students submitting comments, most of whom opposed the resolution.
This initiative completely abandons DEI ideology, despite some arguing these issues provide essential support for underserved students.
“I am gravely concerned that students and community members have felt devalued. We remain committed to each and every one of them, wherever they are, wherever they’re from,” expressed Boise State University’s President Marlene Tromp, reflecting the disappointment felt by university leadership.
Idaho Board of Education Faces Vote on Anti-DEI Resolution
The state’s Board of Education is expected to ban campus offices, centers and policies “dedicated to #DEI ideologies.” Some students and faculty are outraged. https://t.co/JAuZAyeOMH pic.twitter.com/FBQieMDkwk
— Inside Higher Ed (@insidehighered) December 18, 2024
Furthermore, there has been significant opposition from university presidents who fear this policy will negatively affect campus inclusion.
Following a month-long period of intense debate and criticism, a consensus was reached to dissolve identity-based centers.
The offices and centers supporting women, LGBTQ students, and students of color at the abovementioned universities will close by June 30, 2025.
“I am proud of our institutions for stepping up and making meaningful changes to their institutions through these resolutions,” Joshua Whitworth, Director of the Office of the State Board of Education, stated.
Meanwhile, Idaho State University and Boise State University have already begun closing certain student centers in a move towards a more generalized approach to student success.
This preemptive step by the universities drew criticism from some board members, who felt it undermined their authority.
In spite of these closures, the board emphasized that inclusive student-led organizations, like the Black Student Union or Gender and Sexuality Alliance, remain unaffected by the ban.
In addition, the resolution aims to preempt potential legislative action, as the board positions itself as leading rather than reacting to state mandates.
“This is really about leading and choosing to lead, rather than wait for someone else to define the path that is best for our students and our institutions,” Whitworth concluded, affirming the board’s proactive approach.
While the policy eliminates overt DEI frameworks, universities are expected to continue supporting all students under new guidelines focused on transparency and meritocracy.
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