TUSCALOOSA — University of Alabama political science professor Terry Hughston appears to be flouting state law by including a DEI-based statement in his class syllabus.
The syllabus obtained by 1819 News showed that Hughston, who teaches PSC 205: Political Theory, includes a "Diversity and Inclusion Statement" in his spring 2026 syllabus, despite state law restricting such practices.
"I am willing to do whatever it takes to continue to work on creating an inclusive classroom environment," the syllabus states.
Hughston allegedly told students in class that "the state government can come at me if they want to," referring to his statement.
The course also includes sections addressing "Name/Pronoun Preferences," encouraging students to notify the instructor of preferred pronouns so he can "refer to you accurately."
Senate Bill 129, passed in 2024, restricts public universities from promoting or requiring DEI-related concepts in classrooms and programming. The law specifically targets institutional endorsement of identity-based frameworks tied to race, gender, and other protected characteristics.
RELATED: University of Alabama moves forward to end DEI- and gender-based programs
In addition to the DEI-related language, Hughston's syllabus includes a "point of view" section where Hughston acknowledges that his lectures may at times reflect his personal point of view.
"My lectures and comments during class may occasionally suggest a particular point of view…my own opinions," the syllabus reads, adding that "honest and respectful dialogue is expected."
Still, some students expressed concerns to 1819 News about the lack of political and ideological neutrality in his classroom.
One of the books listed as required reading is The Racial Contract by Charles Mills.
"Mills [argues that] most [white people] are still unknowingly influenced by a history of white supremacist philosophies and ideals that undergird our most basic assumptions about personhood and natural rights. But what Mills wants to drive home in his terse, thoughtful book is that white people can change their minds. If they are honest with themselves and non-whites about the importance of race in shaping political and moral culture in the West, they will be one step closer to knowing what people of color have known all along .... They will know that racial inequality is not some accidental detour on the road to perfect political justice. Racial inequality is built into the structure of liberal-democratic politics itself," the New York Press said in a marketing statement about the book.
Hughston was recently awarded by some UA honor societies. During the annual Tapping of the Mound ceremony, Hughston was the only faculty or staff member honored with the "Other Club Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award."
The university did not respond to 1819's request for comment.
Trenton Buffenbarger is a senior at the University of Alabama and is the Chairman of the UA Young Americans for Freedom.
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