Bans using payer funds’ to press democratic political movement,’ governor says
Under a law signed by Governor on Wednesday, public schools and universities in Alabama are unable to finance any diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, or to keep an office or office that supports DEI. Kay Ivey.
Additionally, the law forbids natural men from using women’s bathrooms, stating that “each open institution of higher learning may ensure that every multiple-occupancy restroom remain designated for use by individuals based on their natural sex.”
Public K-12 institutions and state universities are prohibited by the law from requiring a student or employee to physically support or agree to a “divisive concept,” such as white luxury, or to demand their presence at a required DEI workshop.
The policy, SB 129, defines “divisive concepts” as arguments” that individuals may be discriminated against or severely treated because of their race, color, religion or intercourse” or that” the spiritual character of an entity is determined by his or her race, ethnicity or regional origin”.
The law, which takes effect Oct. 1, states DEI concepts can still be discussed in the classroom, but cannot be compelled. Nothing, according to it, forbids students or faculty organizations from holding diversity, equity, and inclusion discussions or discussions that might involve divisive ideas, provided that no state funds are used to support these initiatives.
Ivey said in a prepared statement that “my administration has and will continue to support Alabama’s rich diversity. However, I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses to use taxpayer funds to use their liberal political movement to challenge what the majority of Alabamians believe.”
As The College Fix previously reported, the bill had sparked anger among Democrats and some students, sparking petitions and protests. Some even urged student athletes to steer clear of Alabama’s universities.
The University of Alabama and Auburn University both support DEI policies, according to a report released six plus months after the bill was released.
According to The Associated Press, Auburn University stated in a memo that it was reviewing the new law.
According to university leadership,” the measure will affect use of state funds to sponsor DEI programs and activities,” but it does not prohibit instruction in accordance with accreditation standards and academic support for students of a particular demographic, according to AP.
We are determined in our efforts to provide exceptional student experiences and support to all of our students, with an emphasis on providing access and opportunity, according to the letter.
The NAACP quickly denounced the bill’s signage.
The ongoing assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion is a part of a “black agenda” that seeks to bring our country to a time when Black teachers and students were denied adequate classroom access. In a prepared statement this week, President Derrick Johnson said,” We refuse to go back.
The NAACP will continue to work with all means of advocacy, mobilization, and litigation to ensure that our young people receive the support and resources they deserve. But we ca n’t do this alone. It’s time for our community to band together and use our collective power to correct the course of justice as we have for centuries. This conflict is not finished yet. Which side of history will you represent?
MORE: Outrage erupts after Alabama Senate OKs bill to ban DEI, and men from women’s bathrooms
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