The Idaho State Board of Education (ISBOE) has passed a resolution banning the existence of offices seeking to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on university campuses despite backlash against the measure.
On Wednesday, the ISBOE passed "Resolutions on DEI Ideology," indicating that "any approach that prioritizes personal identity characteristics over individual merit" is defined as DEI ideology.
The resolution aims to ensure that schools are "invested in the success of every student" and that universities "shall not establish or maintain central offices", reported KGW8.
This is expected to heavily impact the state's four public universities: Idaho State University, Boise State University, The University of Idaho, and Lewis Clark State College.
"I think it was the first time that I was able to not only understand my perspective as a Latino in higher education but also learn from others and understand intersectionality," said Daniel Liera, a 2014 University of Idaho graduate. "Being in that (DEI) center created a home away from home. If those centers weren't there, I wouldn't be where I am right now.
"[My] mom and dad don't understand how to help me with homework. They don't understand how to do FAFSA," Liera explained. "But these individuals that run these offices create an atmosphere where we can go in and not be ashamed to request additional support."
Liera's sentiments are echoed by many college graduates and students who recognize the benefits of DEI-focused offices on college campuses and were hoping the resolution would not pass.
Executive director of the State Board Josh Whitworth revealed the results of a survey conducted to determine overarching student perspectives regarding the resolution. They found that 80% of respondents expressed opposition, while only 10% supported the resolution and 9% were indifferent or held alternative views.
"That also doesn't make it wrong to make changes," said Whitworth.
"I have the same feeling as everybody—a little bit of anger, upset, a lot of emotions," Liera continued.
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