03/20/2024

Alabama Governor Signs Ban on DE&I Funds

The ban impacts funds that 'restrict divisive concepts' in schools

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) signed a bill Wednesday that bans state funding of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools, public colleges and state agencies, joining a wave of Republican-led efforts to quash diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.

The new law will impose restrictions around what it calls eight "divisive concepts" dealing with race and personal identity. It also requires public colleges to designate bathrooms "for use by individuals based on their biological sex."

Ivey signed the bill one day after the state House and Senate gave final approval to the measure, SB 129. It will take effect on Oct. 1. College students who oppose the bill have organized protests against it, including a large rally at the State House earlier this month, member station WBHM reports.

Please select this link to read the complete article from NPR.