Alabama Governor Signs Bill Banning DEI Programs at Public Schools and Universities

Alabama governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law on Wednesday effectively banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public schools and universities.

The legislation, known as S.B. 129, prohibits local boards of education, public institutions of higher education, and state agencies from maintaining or funding DEI programs that promote “divisive concepts” such as guilting someone over their race or sex. Additionally, all public schools, universities, and agencies in Alabama have the authority to “discipline or terminate the employment of any employee or contractor who knowingly violates this act,” the legislation reads.

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“My administration has and will continue to value Alabama’s rich diversity, however, I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses — or wherever else for that matter — to go under the acronym of DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe,” Ivey said in a statement.

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