MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A coalition of students and faculty members from public universities across Alabama is asking an appeals court to block a state law that prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education. The law, which was enacted in October 2024, forbids schools and universities from using state funds for programs related to 'divisive concepts' connected to race and gender.
The legislation restricts educators from encouraging feelings of guilt based on an individual's race, religion, gender identity, or religion. U.S. District Judge David Proctor upheld the law, stating that the academic freedom of professors does not supersede the educational policies of public universities.
The judge noted that the law does not entirely ban discussions about these concepts in educational settings but stipulates that such instruction must be conducted in an objective manner without endorsing the concepts themselves.
This appeal comes in the wake of a July mandate from the Department of Justice calling for similar standards at public school campuses nationwide. Since the passage of this law, various student affinity groups have disbanded, instructors have been placed on leave, and some student-run publications focusing on Black experiences have ceased operations.
Lawyer Antonio Ingram, representing the plaintiffs, argued that the law's vague language regarding what constitutes 'endorsement' exposes professors to unfounded investigations and inhibits their ability to present their research adequately. He emphasized that under this law, universities risk becoming instruments of state propaganda instead of centers of independent inquiry.
Dana Patton, a political science professor at the University of Alabama, reported that the law has forced her to alter her long-time curriculum, fearing that students may misinterpret her teachings as endorsements of specific viewpoints. It's just safer to not teach certain things and to avoid potential repercussions or complaints being filed, she remarked.
