Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 10:02 am
In a significant development in Alabama, Republican Governor Kay Ivey has signed a bill aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices in publicly funded colleges, universities, and state-run agencies. The law, known as SB 129 and due to be enforced from October 1, will also disallow men from using women’s restrooms in the state’s public colleges.
Alabama follows Florida and Texas in implementing such sweeping changes. The law is set to impact state institutions currently funding DEI-related offices and programs. However, the implications for staff working in these areas, currently backed by $16 million in diversity spending, remain unclear.
Following Senate approval, the bill was passed by the Alabama House of Representatives in a 75-28 vote along party lines. Governor Ivey argued that the bill safeguards academic freedom, respects diversity, and upholds fair treatment, principles she asserts Alabama believes in.
Christopher Rufo, a leading conservative scholar, commended the law as a victory against “left-wing racialism,” expressing confidence that the principle of colorblind equality is being reinforced state by state.