Alabama governor signs ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs

ALABAMA (WHNT) — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed a bill that will ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in state agencies, local boards of education and institutions of higher learning.

Ivey signed the bill around noon on Wednesday after lawmakers gave it final approval Tuesday.

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The bill, introduced as SB129, prohibits the use of state funds for state agencies, school boards and colleges and universities maintaining DEI programs or offices, though it does offer some limited exceptions.

The bill defines DEI programs as “Any program, class, training, seminar or other event where attendance is based on an individual’s race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity national origin or sexual orientation or that otherwise violates this act.”

The bill said this does not include programs that are necessary to comply with related state or federal laws.

The bill also blocks schools and institutions of higher learning from using funding for programs involving “divisive concepts.” As described in the bill, divisive concepts include the idea that one race is superior or inferior to another; that a person’s moral character is defined by their race or ethnicity, religion, national origin or color. The bill also says a person’s race does not mean they inherently racist and the bill also addresses the idea that a person’s race does not assign them responsibility for historical injustices. That portion says:

“That individuals, by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”

SB129 also requires state colleges and universities to designate bathrooms on the basis of “biological sex.”

News 19 has reached out to Governor Kay Ivey’s office for a statement on the bill.

The governor said today:

“My Administration has and will continue to value Alabama’s rich diversity, however, I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses – or wherever else for that matter – to go under the acronym of DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe. We have already taken action to prevent this in our K-12 classrooms, and I am pleased to sign SB129 to protect our college campuses. Supporting academic freedom, embracing diversity of cultures and backgrounds and treating people fairly are all key components of what we believe in Alabama, and I am more than confident that will continue.”

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said he was “deeply disappointed” in the governor’s decision to sign the bill.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl however said the bill is meant to ensure responsible use of tax dollars.

You read the full text of the bill here.

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