Alabama's new law, Senate Bill 129, forces state-funded universities to shut down their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, sparking lawsuits and debates over its impact on education and free speech."This is a big deal, merit. Our country is going to be based on merit again," President Trump said after signing an executive order related to DEI."A large number of these candidates have publicly expressed support for so-called diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. I am concerned, very concerned that DEI distracts our military from its mission," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)."Nothing in this act prohibits or prevents students, faculty, organization or association from hosting DEI programs or events or discussions that may involve divisive concepts so long as no state funds are used," said Sen. Will Barfoot.Despite protests from DEI supporters, Alabama Senate Bill 129 took effect in October 2024, forcing all DEI offices at state-funded universities to shut their doors.The law also limits how race and gender can be discussed on campus, labeling them "divisive concepts.""I felt shocked, and I felt hurt, to be perfectly honest with you. And it came very quickly after the law went into effect. So the law went into effect on October first. I was first notified that there had been a complaint on October eighth," said Dana Patton, a political science professor at the University of Alabama.Listen to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin discuss "The Alabamification of federal government" and executive orders surrounding DEI below. Patton is part of a group of Alabama professors and students who have filed a lawsuit challenging the new state law, claiming it is discriminatory and violates the First Amendment.She says the law is vague and opens up educators to frivolous complaints from students and outsiders."It's very uncomfortable to teach. To know if you're staying within the bounds of the law. And it's very concerning to me the effect that this is having on students and on our ability to educate," Patton said."So you can't teach about poverty in the United States and in Alabama without talking about race. And so we talk about things like the history of race in Alabama. I show my students a documentary, called 'Slavery by Another Name,' which focuses heavily on Alabama, Birmingham and the issue of convict leasing," Patton added."It creates what we call in the law a chilling effect, where people are afraid to actually engage in discourse that the state finds to be disfavorable," said Antonio Ingram II, senior counsel at the Legal Defense Fund."I feel constrained in what I can and cannot say. I feel concerned about another complaint being brought against me of false complaints. So, I record all of my lectures. This is something that I've never done in over 20 years of teaching," Patton said."Our clients are very brave. They all have a perspective that this is a moral cause. That this is wrong, that the state is using their own preferences to censor their experiences and their identities. And I think that is part of why this law is so dangerous," Ingram said.The journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion from corporate jargon to scorn-worthy buzzwords seemingly happened overnight.DEI expert Dr. Nadia Johnson says the tipping point appears to have come in the aftermath of the protests over the murder of George Floyd in 2020."I think some could call it a backlash. And certainly, it can appear that way, but I think it really is that a lot of ignorance around what DEI actually is, is being fueled by fear. And that fear is what's driving individuals to say, 'no, we don't want DEI,'" Johnson said."DEI incorporates all forms of different. So, to kind of isolate the conversation, to focus on race or sexual orientation or gender identity is just not valid. DEI includes veterans. It includes parents. It includes women," Johnson added."Those are not at odds with the things we profess in this country. You know, life, love, liberty and justice for all. Those kind of things," Johnson said.In January, the Legal Defense Fund asked for an injunction halting Alabama's law.Ingram says similar lawsuits have been filed in other states."Regardless of who's in the White House, the U.S. Constitution is still law of the land. And our claims under the U.S. Constitution, under the First Amendment, the 14th Amendment, and equal protection clause," Ingram said.Ultimately, the future of DEI may rest with the courts.CjxzY3JpcHQgdHlwZT0idGV4dC9qYXZhc2NyaXB0Ij4hZnVuY3Rpb24oKXsidXNlIHN0cmljdCI7d2luZG93LmFkZEV2ZW50TGlzdGVuZXIoIm1lc3NhZ2UiLChmdW5jdGlvbihlKXtpZih2b2lkIDAhPT1lLmRhdGFbImRhdGF3cmFwcGVyLWhlaWdodCJdKXt2YXIgdD1kb2N1bWVudC5xdWVyeVNlbGVjdG9yQWxsKCJpZnJhbWUiKTtmb3IodmFyIGEgaW4gZS5kYXRhWyJkYXRhd3JhcHBlci1oZWlnaHQiXSlmb3IodmFyIHI9MDtyPHQubGVuZ3RoO3IrKyl7aWYodFtyXS5jb250ZW50V2luZG93PT09ZS5zb3VyY2UpdFtyXS5zdHlsZS5oZWlnaHQ9ZS5kYXRhWyJkYXRhd3JhcHBlci1oZWlnaHQiXVthXSsicHgifX19KSl9KCk7PC9zY3JpcHQ+
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama's new law, , forces state-funded universities to shut down their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, sparking lawsuits and debates over its impact on education and free speech.
"This is a big deal, merit. Our country is going to be based on merit again," President Trump said after signing an executive order related to DEI.
"A large number of these candidates have publicly expressed support for so-called diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. I am concerned, very concerned that DEI distracts our military from its mission," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).
"Nothing in this act prohibits or prevents students, faculty, organization or association from hosting DEI programs or events or discussions that may involve divisive concepts so long as no state funds are used," said Sen. Will Barfoot.
Despite protests from DEI supporters, Alabama Senate Bill 129 took effect in October 2024, forcing all DEI offices at state-funded universities to shut their doors.
The law also limits how race and gender can be discussed on campus, labeling them "divisive concepts."
"I felt shocked, and I felt hurt, to be perfectly honest with you. And it came very quickly after the law went into effect. So the law went into effect on October first. I was first notified that there had been a complaint on October eighth," said Dana Patton, a political science professor at the University of Alabama.
Listen to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin discuss "The Alabamification of federal government" and executive orders surrounding DEI below.
Patton is part of a group of Alabama professors and students who have filed a lawsuit challenging the new state law, claiming it is discriminatory and violates the First Amendment.
She says the law is vague and opens up educators to frivolous complaints from students and outsiders.
"It's very uncomfortable to teach. To know if you're staying within the bounds of the law. And it's very concerning to me the effect that this is having on students and on our ability to educate," Patton said.
"So you can't teach about poverty in the United States and in Alabama without talking about race. And so we talk about things like the history of race in Alabama. I show my students a documentary, called 'Slavery by Another Name,' which focuses heavily on Alabama, Birmingham and the issue of convict leasing," Patton added.
"It creates what we call in the law a chilling effect, where people are afraid to actually engage in discourse that the state finds to be disfavorable," said Antonio Ingram II, senior counsel at the Legal Defense Fund.
"I feel constrained in what I can and cannot say. I feel concerned about another complaint being brought against me of false complaints. So, I record all of my lectures. This is something that I've never done in over 20 years of teaching," Patton said.
"Our clients are very brave. They all have a perspective that this is a moral cause. That this is wrong, that the state is using their own preferences to censor their experiences and their identities. And I think that is part of why this law is so dangerous," Ingram said.
The journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion from corporate jargon to scorn-worthy buzzwords seemingly happened overnight.
DEI expert Dr. Nadia Johnson says the tipping point appears to have come in the aftermath of the protests over the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
"I think some could call it a backlash. And certainly, it can appear that way, but I think it really is that a lot of ignorance around what DEI actually is, is being fueled by fear. And that fear is what's driving individuals to say, 'no, we don't want DEI,'" Johnson said.
"DEI incorporates all forms of different. So, to kind of isolate the conversation, to focus on race or sexual orientation or gender identity is just not valid. DEI includes veterans. It includes parents. It includes women," Johnson added.
"Those are not at odds with the things we profess in this country. You know, life, love, liberty and justice for all. Those kind of things," Johnson said.
In January, the Legal Defense Fund asked for an injunction halting Alabama's law.
Ingram says similar lawsuits have been filed in other states.
"Regardless of who's in the White House, the U.S. Constitution is still law of the land. And our claims under the U.S. Constitution, under the First Amendment, the 14th Amendment, and equal protection clause," Ingram said.
Ultimately, the future of DEI may rest with the courts.
