The Alabama governor, Kay Ivey, recently signed into law the proposed bill that will prohibit public schools and universities from including diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Signed on Wednesday and expected to go into effect on Oct. 1 this year, the law, known as Senate Bill 129, will put an end to both funding and maintenance of DEI programs. Gov. Ivey emphasized her desire to stop supporters from advocating for a “liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe,” per CNN.
As part of SB129, concepts such as different types of racism and sexism will no longer be allowed as they’re part of the eight concepts labeled too divisive. Anyone who is found guilty of violating the law will be fired from their position.
The newest law will also discriminate against the students’ gender identification by requiring public universities to include only restrooms based on “biological sex,” which includes only males and females.
The bill’s passing comes approximately one month after the Senate approved it. In response to the Senate approval, the mayor of Birmingham, Randall Woodfin, took to social media, urging Black student-athletes to avoid attending Alabama higher learning institutions that are anti-DEI.
“To the parents of minority athletes who are helping their children decide if they want to play sports at those institutions: Would you be cool with your child playing at schools where diversity among staff is actively being discouraged?” wrote Woodfin in a Facebook post. “Although I’m the biggest Bama fan, I have no problem organizing Black parents and athletes to attend other institutions outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.”
The implementation of the anti-DEI law follows similar moves in states such as Utah, Florida and Texas.
Earlier this year, in January, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed into effect a law that prohibits higher learning institutions from creating programs for diversity. Employees are now also not required to pledge their commitment to DEI in statements.
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis banned anti-DEI programs in 2023; earlier this March, the University of Florida adhered to the new law and eliminated all DEI positions in the school.
In response, the NAACP echoed sentiments similar to Woodfin’s and advised Black student-athletes to avoid going to public colleges and universities in the state.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount to ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes,” Johnson said in a statement per NBC News. “The value Black and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched.”
