The Idaho State Board of Education has taken a big step towards fully eliminating DEI in our public education system, building momentum for similar conservative policies going into the legislative session!

The State Board unanimously adopted its resolution prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies in Idaho’s four major universities during their December 18 meeting.

The resolution reads:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that diversity, equity, and inclusion ideology (“DEI ideology”) is any approach that prioritizes “personal identity characteristics” (race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or gender identity) over individual merit; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the institutions shall establish and maintain equality of opportunity so that all students may succeed regardless of personal identity characteristics. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the institutions shall not use personal identity characteristics in decisions affecting the employment or education of any employee or student. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that institutions shall not establish or maintain a central office, policy, procedure, or initiative that promotes DEI ideology

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that institutions shall ensure that no student resource or student success center serves students based on DEI ideology 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no institution employee or student shall be required to declare gender identity or preferred pronouns in any form of communication

The Board of Education faced severe backlash for this resolution – with hundreds of students expressing discontentment. It is important to counteract this response by expressing our gratitude for the courageous decision of the board.

Please join us in thanking the Board of Education for taking this bold step toward eliminating DEI practices in the Gem State.