Investigation Sought Into Idaho Universities’ Compliance with New Anti-DEI Law

Concerns have emerged regarding the compliance of Idaho universities with the recently enacted Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act. An advocacy group, the Goldwater Institute, has called for an official inquiry after alleging that multiple state institutions are attempting to bypass provisions aimed at curtailing mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses that are not directly relevant to students’ degree programs.

Why It Matters

This situation raises critical questions about academic freedom and the integrity of educational curricula in Idaho. As the Freedom of Inquiry Act seeks to prevent the imposition of unrelated DEI requirements on students, its enforcement is seen as vital in protecting both students and taxpayer interests from perceived ideological overreach in the higher education system.

Key Developments

• The Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act was enacted in April and took effect in July.
• The Goldwater Institute claims that Boise State University, the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Lewis-Clark State College are applying for exemptions under the law that do not comply with its intended purpose.
• A letter from the Goldwater Institute to Idaho’s Attorney General Raul Labrador calls for investigations into alleged violations.
• The memorandum from the Idaho Board of Education is under scrutiny for misinterpreting the law, potentially allowing broader exemptions than legally permissible.

Full Report

Allegations of Non-Compliance

The Goldwater Institute charges that Idaho universities are effectively circumventing the law, which was designed to prevent students from being mandated to take courses unrelated to their major fields of study. Parker Jackson, a staff attorney for the institute, emphasized that the law aims to protect students from mandatory indoctrination tied to DEI ideologies—especially in areas where such topics are not relevant, like psychology or social work.

Misinterpretation of the Law

Recent communication from the Idaho Board of Education allegedly mischaracterizes the legal exemptions permitted under the Freedom of Inquiry Act. According to Jackson, the guidance issued by the board improperly broadens eligibility for exceptions, which could lead to courses with a DEI focus in non-related degree programs being taught without proper oversight.

A specific case highlighted involves a required course in sociology titled "Introduction to Inequity and Justice," for which an exemption was sought despite the program not being primarily focused on racial or gender studies.

Call for Investigation

The Goldwater Institute’s correspondence urges Attorney General Labrador to scrutinize the exemptions issued across the implicated universities. Jackson asserts that the exemptions issued under the current interpretation mischaracterize the original intent of the law, suggesting a pressing need for regulatory enforcement to ensure adherence to legislative guidelines.

In response, the Idaho Board of Education expressed an intention to cooperate with the attorney general’s office regarding the investigation, while Boise State University did not provide comments when contacted.

Context & Previous Events

The Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act was established in April 2023, reflecting a broader national dialogue concerning the role of ideology in higher education. The law was positioned as a protective measure against what proponents argue is a rise in left-leaning political ideologies permeating academic settings, compelling students to engage with content deemed unrelated to their fields of study.

This continuous legal and ethical debate surrounding educational standards and student rights calls for careful scrutiny and accountability from both educational institutions and state authorities.