University of Alabama Ends Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Following New Law

The University of Alabama recently made the decision to discontinue its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in response to a new law passed in the state. This law prohibits public institutions from promoting “divisive concepts” that encourage discrimination based on race or sex. The campuses in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Huntsville all shut down their DEI programs to ensure compliance with the law, which also mandates that public universities designate bathrooms based solely on biological sex.

The law, known as Senate Bill 129, was signed into law by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and took effect on October 1. It prevents certain government entities and public institutions from implementing any form of DEI programming or operating any offices under its banner. The law outlines penalties for violations and prohibits the promotion, endorsement, and affirmation of divisive concepts such as the belief in inherent superiority or inferiority based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.

Additionally, the law forbids the discrimination or adverse treatment of individuals based on these characteristics and rejects the notion that an individual’s moral character is determined by their race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. It also bans the idea that individuals are inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive based on these factors. Furthermore, the law prohibits any requirement to accept guilt, blame, or the need to apologize based on these innate characteristics. It also disallows the promotion of the idea that meritocracy or traits like a strong work ethic are rooted in racism or sexism.

The law empowers state agencies, including local boards of education and public colleges or universities, to discipline or terminate the employment of any employee who violates the law. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey expressed her support for the law, stating that while her administration values diversity, she refuses to allow a few individuals on college campuses to use taxpayer funds to push their liberal political agenda.

Alabama is not the only state to pass legislation against DEI initiatives. Florida and Texas have also enacted similar laws this year. In Florida, the University of Florida closed its diversity office and fired 13 full-time staffers to comply with a law that prohibits the use of public funds to support DEI initiatives. The university redirected the funds to faculty recruitment instead. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who opposes “woke” policies, praised the closure of the diversity office, stating that “Florida is where DEI goes to die.” Similarly, the University of Texas at Austin laid off employees who worked in DEI programs and transferred the budget to other departments following the passage of a law that forbids DEI institutions at public colleges and universities statewide.

Unlike the University of Florida and the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Alabama will not be firing employees who worked in its DEI offices. Instead, they will be reassigned to other positions, such as the newly announced Office of Access, Connections, and Engagement at UA Huntsville. The university aims to accelerate recruiting and retention strategies and provide enhanced support to all students through this office.

In summary, the University of Alabama has discontinued its DEI programs in response to a new law that prohibits public institutions from promoting divisive concepts. This decision aligns with similar actions taken by other states, such as Florida and Texas. While critics argue that DEI initiatives deepen political divides and promote a left-wing political agenda, supporters of these programs emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in creating a more inclusive and equal society. The impact of these legislative actions on campus culture and the experiences of marginalized groups remains a subject of debate.