Alabama governor signs bill restricting DEI programs in public schools.
A comprehensive package that limits the teaching of “divisive concepts” and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public schools, universities, and state agencies was signed into law by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) on Wednesday.
The state’s GOP-controlled legislature passed a bill on Tuesday that prohibits agencies and schools from requiring their staff members or students to take part in DEI programs or sponsoring any DEI activities. Additionally, it specifies that “refusal to support, believe, endorse, embrace, confess, or otherwise assent to a divisive concept or diversity statement” cannot result in discipline for either staff members or students.
The law was defined as teaching that “any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior” when it was first read in the Alabama Senate in late February.
Citing current state law, the Act also stipulates that public schools and universities must mandate that students use the restroom according to their biological sex at birth.
Ivey claimed she signed the legislation, which goes into effect on October 1, in order to “protect” the state’s universities and colleges.
In a statement, she said, “My Administration has valued Alabama’s rich diversity and will continue to do so. However, I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses, or anywhere else for that matter, to use taxpayer funds to advance their liberal political movement in o
Free-speech advocacy group PEN America referred to the bill as “the most pernicious educational gag order impacting higher education” in a statement released towards the end of February.
The group likened the bill to Florida’s “Stop Woke Act,” which limited the teaching of diversity and inclusion in public schools, businesses, and colleges until it was overturned in court.
PEN America stated that the measure from Alabama is “even more restrictive.”
pposition to the views of the majority of Alabamians under the DEI umbrella.”
Civil rights organizations have denounced the law, claiming it exacerbates the chilling effect that has been felt in schools recently as they have become the focal point of cultural wars around the nation.
