HOMEWOOD — Legislators will be "watching very closely" how Alabama universities implement a new state diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban that begins next month, according to State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville).
State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and Oliver sponsored the new law banning taxpayer-funded DEI offices and training, which goes into effect on October 1. The law prohibits state agencies, schools and colleges from sponsoring or requiring students and employees to attend or participate in any diversity, equity and inclusion program, training, orientation or coursework.
The Alabama chapter of The Federalist Society hosted a panel discussion on Friday morning on DEI policy.
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker asked the panel including Oliver whether the new ban would only result in DEI personnel being given different job titles to comply with the law.
"Not too long ago one of the online publications listed the salaries of some of these DEI officials at state universities, and I have to say I was more than shocked," Parker said. "The head of that at the University of Alabama was earning more than twice the salary of the judges in this room who have dedicated themselves to public service and upholding the rule of law. Now, we're told that they've disbanded those offices, but have they just moved these people around and changed the title of what they're doing only removing the title but keeping the personnel and the programs under other names?"
Auburn University officials announced in July that the school would shut down its Office of Inclusion and Diversity in August and reassign staff to other departments. The University of Alabama System announced it was rebranding its DEI offices but keeping the same leadership at its Birmingham, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa campuses.
The University of Alabama will have a Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success that "furthers the University's efforts to promote success for everyone in the UA community, including those who may face educational access and achievement challenges." The division will be led by Dr. Christine Taylor, the UA's vice president and associate provost of DEI, who was hired in 2017.
"Let me say that this next semester we're going to see this new organization at the university that you speak of. We'll be watching with great interest and remember we do have the Education Trust Fund in the legislature so we do have a way to have influence. That's not over. We're watching very closely," Oliver said in response to Parker's question.
After the panel, Oliver told 1819 News he thought the implementation of the law was "going very well."
"I think the universities are adjusting as well as they can. I understand what they're trying to do. They've modified their program so that instead of a DEI program they're going to take what they perceive as marginalized students from rural areas and urban areas that may not have the advantages that some other kids have and try to mentor them their first year in school so they have a better chance of success," Oliver said. "I think that's probably a good cause. We will monitor that, we'll continue. We expect when we say 'diversity, equity and inclusion' by the current definition to be done with, I believe the universities will comply and once again the legislature does have if it's state-funded we obviously have some control."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
