DEI programs and concepts that may make someone feel guilty because of their race are banned in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill Wednesday that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools, universities and state agencies and ban the teaching of “divisive concepts,” including that someone should feel guilty about reason because of their race or gender.

The measure, which fits into effect Oct. 1, is an element of a wave of proposals from Republican lawmakers across the country targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, also often known as DEI, on college campuses. Republicans say the programs deepen divisions and promote a specific political point of view. But opponents say it’s a rollback of hard-won progress and programs that enroll underrepresented student populations.

“My administration has and will continue to value Alabama’s rich diversity, but I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses – or anywhere else – to use the acronym DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movements contrary to what they believe the majority of Alabamians believe,” Ivey said in a press release.

Also Wednesday, an Alabama House committee advanced laws that would ban teacher-led discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools and ban the display of Pride flags in classrooms. The measure, part of a wave of nationwide laws that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say You’re Gay,” has now passed the total House.

DEI has been sharply criticized by opponents who claim that it takes the country backwards as an alternative of forwards.

“This regressive measure undermines the progress we have made in cultivating an inclusive society in Alabama by stifling important discussions and programs that are critical to improving our state,” said Anthony Daniels, Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Daniels said it “negatively impacts the educational experiences of college students by removing programs where they can receive support, build communities, and learn how to be prosperous and inclusive citizens.”

Featured Stories

The Alabama laws would prohibit universities, K-12 school systems, and state agencies from sponsoring DEI programs, defined in the bill as classes, training, programs, and events in which participation is predicated on a person’s race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, or national origin. . or sexual orientation.

The bill also states that schools, universities and state agencies cannot require students, employees and contractors to participate in classes and training sessions “that advocate or require agreement” with eight “divisive concepts.”

The list of prohibited concepts includes the statement that “every person should accept, acknowledge, acknowledge or agree to feel guilt, complicity or the need for apology based on his or her race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin” or that guilt, blame or prejudice ought to be attributed to individuals on the premise of race, religion, gender or national origin.

Auburn University, a public institution, said in a letter to school, staff and students that it’s assessing the implications of the brand new law.

The measure will impact “the use of state funds to sponsor DEI programs and activities,” but doesn’t prohibit instruction related to accreditation standards and academic support for college kids from certain demographic groups, university officials wrote.

“We are committed to our mission of providing an exceptional student experience and providing support to all of our students, with a particular focus on providing access and opportunity,” the letter reads.

The bill would also seek to ban transgender people on college campuses from using dormitory restrooms that match their current gender identity.

The laws states that colleges and universities “shall ensure that each multiple-occupancy restroom is designated for use by persons” based on a person’s sex assigned at birth. It is unclear how this requirement can be enforced.