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After some back-and-forth among board members and university leaders, the Idaho State Board of Education voted unanimously in favor of a resolution to prohibit “central offices, policies, procedures, or initiatives … dedicated to DEI ideology” at the state’s public universities.
Joshua Whitworth, executive director of the State Board of Education, acknowledged at the meeting Wednesday that the board got extensive feedback on the resolution through conversations with state lawmakers, university leaders, students and staff members, not all of it positive. The board received 687 comments from students, about 80 percent of which were against the resolution, though they represent just a fraction of the roughly 44,000 students enrolled, Whitworth said.
“These are hard discussions” that require “empathy” for students and faculty members who value DEI efforts, Whitworth told board members. But “there are groups on either side that would look at DEI ideology and see that as very disruptive and probably, in some instances … driving communication that is not supportive of how we treat our students and create a welcoming environment.”
Board member Kurt Liebich initially pushed back that “DEI ideology” may be a problem at East Coast institutions but not in Idaho. He expressed worry about “unintended consequences” to university programs, given that some Idaho universities have already moved to close or rename centers related to DEI work.
Prior to the vote, campus presidents also fielded questions from board members about the resolution and the efforts they’ve already made to shutter DEI-related centers.
Idaho State University president Robert Wagner told board members the institution hasn’t gotten rid of any programs; they’re just being overseen by different parts of the university, rather than its former Diversity Resource and Gender Resource Centers.
After hearing concerns from state lawmakers, “we felt like there was an opportunity for our institution to make changes that we could control,” Wagner said.
University of Idaho president Scott Green told board members the resolution affects current programs that benefit students.
Students’ “feedback does reflect a deep sense of loss and sadness about the closures,” Green said. “We are disappointed but not surprised it’s come to this given what has happened in other states.”
Institutions are required to comply with the resolution by June 30, 2025.