This Red State Governor Signs Controversial Bill Banning DEI Departments At Public Universities

The law, which bans training that encourages differential treatment based on sex and race, will also dismantle offices that uphold DEI principles.

In addition, the legislation allocates funds for "student success and support" initiatives. Governor Cox expressed his belief that these programs will "help all Utah students succeed regardless of their background." He stated, "We’ve been concerned about some DEI programs and policies, particularly with hiring practices, and this bill offers a balanced solution. I’m grateful to the Legislature for not following the lead of other states that simply eliminated DEI funding with no alternative path for students who may be struggling. Instead, this funding will be repurposed to help all Utah students succeed regardless of their background."

January 31, 2024

The legislation also mandates political neutrality within institutions and prohibits the use of diversity statements during hiring processes, which critics have labeled as political litmus tests. Earlier this year, University of Utah President Taylor Randall announced that the institution would cease using diversity statements in hiring, as reported by the Deseret News.

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This move by Utah follows similar actions taken by several other states to limit DEI initiatives at public colleges. In May 2023, Florida's Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, banned DEI in public universities, followed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in June 2023. In April 2023, Idaho prohibited the use of diversity statements at colleges and universities, and the Iowa Board of Regents proposed in November to eliminate DEI programs from state colleges.

In December, Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order banning DEI programs at public universities and government agencies.