Diversity, equity and inclusion programs on public colleges will soon be prohibited following Gov. Kay Ivey’s signing of an anti-DEI bill on Wednesday. The bill will take effect on Oct. 1.
The legislation also prohibits the teaching of certain “divisive concepts” as defined in the bill and will require students to use the bathroom of the gender they were assigned at birth, not how they identify.
According to CNN, while Ivey said she supports Alabama’s diversity she will fight back against a, “liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe.”
Ivey’s signing of the bill marked the culmination of several years in which Republicans have attempted to pass legislation targeting DEI and “divisive concepts” or critical race theory. The ALGOP Chairman John Wahl released a statement regarding the bill’s signing.
“Government is charged with ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars. SB129 does exactly that, while pushing back on the woke agenda,” Wahl said. “Governor Kay Ivey, bill sponsor Senator Will Barfoot, and members of the Alabama Legislature stand united in upholding the principles that matter most to the people of Alabama.Their work reinforces Alabama’s reputation as a beacon of family values. I thank them for their unwavering dedication, service, and leadership. It’s time we stop indoctrinating children with a social agenda and let parents decide what their families believe concerning divisive concepts.”
While the bill is celebrated for now it is unclear what the ramifications of such sweeping legislation will be. Democrats have argued it could backfire like the issue of abortion and defining human has following an Alabama Supreme Court ruling which caused IVF treatment in the state to go into crisis.
