Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill into law Wednesday that prohibits public schools and universities from running state-funded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
The law, SB129, also mandates that state universities “designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex.”
SB129 will go into effect October 1.
In addition to prohibiting schools from maintaining DEI programs, it also prevents students, employees, and contractors from being required to attend DEI-related training or courses. The law does not, however, prevent hosting or participation in DEI programs as long as state funds are not used.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) criticized the new law, stating, “This bill is intended to have a chilling effect on discourse regarding race, class, sexuality, and national origin, and seeks to characterize these discussions and accurate teachings, assignments, and trainings that also supplement them as ‘divisive.’”
