Many people are proponents of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in schools and colleges, while others are not in favor of these initiatives. The arguments for and against DEI have been going on in the educational arena for a while, but the state of Alabama has made its position clear and put an end to the controversy. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation in March that prevents the state's public schools and colleges from having DEI offices or programs, according to a news report. 

If you are facing problems with your school or college over DEI issues, the Lento Law Firm can help, regardless of your location. The firm's attorneys know what to do when students and employees across the country are subject to discipline or discrimination based on their status or their speech. Get in touch with us by calling 888-535-3686 or fill out this online form to contact us. 

Alabama Targets Divisive Concepts 

The news article said Alabama intends to prohibit the promotion of certain divisive concepts in state agencies, local boards of education, and public colleges, all of which are funded by state money. The legislation defines a divisive concept as any idea holding that: 

• Any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is superior or inferior; 
• Individuals should be discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin; 
• Moral character is determined by race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin; 
• An individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin; 
• Individuals, by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, are responsible for the past actions of others of the same race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin; 
• Blame or bias should be assigned to members of a race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin; 
• An individual should have guilt or a need to apologize due to race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin; or 
• Meritocracy or traits such as having a strong work ethic are racist or sexist. 

Alabama's Prohibition on DEI 

The legislation says Alabama state agencies, public schools serving students in grades K to 12, and public colleges cannot sponsor DEI programs or have departments that promote these efforts. The law generally defines a DEI program as any initiative, class, training, or event where attendance is based on a person's race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, or sexual orientation. The law also says state agencies, schools, and colleges cannot require students or employees to participate in DEI initiatives or coursework or require them to adhere to a divisive concept. Alabama agencies and public schools and colleges are further prohibited from conditioning enrollment in a class or training solely on race or color and cannot penalize those who refuse to support a divisive concept. Lastly, a state agency, the local board of education, or a college can discipline or terminate an employee who knowingly violates the legislation, according to the news report. 

If You Are Concerned about DEI at School, the Lento Law Firm Can Assist You 

Alabama's law is part of a growing trend against DEI initiatives. Some people are worried that a limitation on diversity programs in schools and colleges will result in an increase in punishments for staff and students who speak out on certain issues. Others are concerned that these limitations will leave students and staff with fewer chances to resolve discrimination complaints. If you are not seeing eye to eye with your school or college on DEI matters, the Lento Law Firm can help, no matter where you are. The firm's attorneys have vast experience representing students and educational institution employees in all varieties of disputes all over the country. Call 888-535-3686 to tell us about your concerns, or reach out by completing this online form.