Idaho Board of Education Bans DEI Offices and Initiatives in All Public Universities

The Idaho Board of Education approved efforts to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities on Wednesday.

After months of debating, the board unanimously agreed on a resolution that Idaho institutions cannot “require specific structures or activities related to DEI.”

In summary, institutions “shall establish and maintain equality of opportunity for all students regardless of personal identity characteristics,” “ensure that no central offices, policies, procedures, or initiatives are dedicated to DEI ideology” and “ensure that no employee or student is required to declare gender identity or preferred pronouns.”

The board defined DEI ideology as “any approach that prioritizes ‘personal identity characteristics’ (race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or gender identity) over individual merit.”

In addition to banning mandatory gender identification, the board also prohibited diversity statements in hiring practices or any decisions regarding employment or education based on “personal identity characteristics.”

The board also approved a resolution that mandated protections for free speech and expression on campuses.

“Institutions shall maintain political neutrality, protect speakers’ rights to free expression, protect the safety of those participating in constitutionally protected speech, introduce campus communities to diverse viewpoints, and establish programs designed to educate students and faculty about the institutions’ role as the marketplace of ideas,” it read.

The board acknowledged that the resolution would not prohibit universities from promoting non-discriminatory activities, offering scholarships or allowing student clubs based on “political or social issues.”

All changes are expected to be implemented by June 30, 2025.

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