Utah has recently made headlines for passing a bill that prohibits diversity training, hiring, and inclusion programs in universities and state government. The bill, which received overwhelming support in the state House and Senate, is now awaiting the signature of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican who has expressed his intention to sign it into law.
Governor Cox, who is in the final year of his first term, has shifted his stance on “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” In 2022, he vetoed a ban on transgender students playing in girls’ sports, which was subsequently overridden by the legislature. However, in 2023, Cox signed a bill regulating discussions of race and religion in public schools. The bill aimed to prevent the teaching that anyone can be racist solely because of their race.
During a news conference, Cox stated, “I can assure you, after this legislative session, it will not be happening in the state of Utah, these diversity statements that you have to sign to get hired.” He went on to describe such initiatives as “awful, bordering on evil.”
Under the new bill, universities and government institutions will be prohibited from having dedicated offices for promoting diversity. Additionally, they will not be allowed to require employees to submit statements of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Proponents argue that this legislation ensures academic freedom on university campuses and guarantees that all voices are heard.
However, the bill faced opposition from the six Democrats in the Senate, including Senator Luz Escamilla. She highlighted the lower college enrollment rates for Native American, Hispanic, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students compared to their white counterparts. Escamilla argued that if enrollment in Utah does not reflect the actual demographics, then the state is failing, and the bill is not the solution.
Utah is not the first state to enact such legislation. Florida and Texas, both led by Republicans, were the first to pass laws banning diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. Since then, other states have followed suit.
The pushback against diversity programs is not limited to universities. In Iowa, the board overseeing public universities directed schools to eliminate staff positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Similarly, Wisconsin’s university system agreed to reallocate DEI positions to prioritize “student success” and temporarily halt hiring for DEI staff. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order that restricts state funds from being used for DEI efforts in state agencies and higher education institutions.
This year, Republican lawmakers in at least 17 states have introduced around three dozen bills to restrict or require public disclosure of DEI initiatives. While the focus remains on higher education, there are also bills seeking to limit DEI in K-12 schools, state government, state contracting, pension investments, and financial institutions.
On the other hand, Democrats in nine states have filed at least 20 bills that would require or promote DEI initiatives. These bills cover a wide range of topics, including measures to reverse Florida’s recent DEI ban in higher education, require DEI considerations in K-12 school curriculum, and promote diversity in various sectors.
The controversy surrounding Utah’s ban on diversity programs reflects the ongoing debate regarding the role of DEI initiatives in society. As the state awaits Governor Cox’s signature, the implications of this legislation will undoubtedly continue to be discussed and debated.
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