‘Divisive concepts’ bill now law in Ala.
Bars using state funds to promote DEI programs
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama’s Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill Wednesday that restricts the teaching and funding of “divisive concepts” in workplaces and educational settings.
“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.
Authored by Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot, the new law prohibits certain public agencies from maintaining offices of diversity, equity and inclusion; from sponsoring DEI programs; and from promoting, endorsing and affirming certain “divisive concepts” in certain public settings. It allows penalties for violations, but specific penalties were not listed.
The legislation also requires higher education institutions to “designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex.”
The law does not prohibit institutions of higher education from “performing research, collecting data, engaging in recruiting and outreach programs, offering academic support services, engaging in clinical trials, or providing medical or mental health care targeted to support individuals of any specific demographic.”
“Nothing in this act prevents students, faculty or staff organizations or associations from hosting diversity, equity and inclusion programs,” Barfoot said on the Senate floor in February, “provided that no state funds are used to sponsor that program.”
Ivey said Wednesday, “Supporting academic freedom, embracing diversity of cultures and backgrounds and treating people fairly are all key components of what we believe in Alabama, and I am more than confident that will continue.”
Students from various universities across the state opposed the legislation, even holding a rally March 6 outside of the statehouse. They said the bill was anti-DEI and hurt progress.
“It eliminates or will change drastically specific resources for minority groups on campus,” Sean Atchison, president of the Queer Student Association at the University of Alabama, said in February, and “is aimed at a problem that doesn’t exist.”
Educators including Melvin J. Brown, superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, spoke out against the bill earlier this month.
“Diversity and inclusion provides an educational experience that allows students to explore a range of perspectives and cultures worldwide. We must create a culture of belonging for every student, no matter their background, preferences, or socioeconomic status,” he said in a statement. “As educators, it is our job to ensure we cultivate environments that allow students to feel safe and prepare them for an evolving world. Introducing a bill that limits this interaction is detrimental to the success of our students’ futures.”
The ACLU of Alabama denounced the bill as well as SB1, which restricts absentee voting assistance, in a statement.
“This is a blow for the civic groups, students, and everyday Alabamians who showed up to oppose these bills, but our work doesn’t stop here,” said JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist, executive director of ACLU of Alabama. “Whether it’s in the courts, through community action, or continued lobbying, we won’t stop fighting for the rights and freedoms of ALL Alabamians. We hope you stay in the fight with us for the long haul.”