BOISE, Idaho — A letter signed by 28 Idaho House Republicans over the summer questioned parts of Boise State University's diversity and inclusion programs.
That letter was sent to Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp in July and has since stirred up a debate.
Tuesday night, Boise State University students hosted a panel discussion with four legislators - two Republicans and two Democrats - to talk about diversity in colleges and universities.
The panel consisted of four state legislators: Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb (D - Boise), Rep. Mat Erpelding (D - Boise), Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R - Idaho Falls), and Rep. Bryan Zollinger (R - Idaho Falls.)
Ehardt wrote the letter and tells KTVB the reason 28 Republicans signed it is because they feel diversity and inclusion programs are focusing too much on social justice and taking away from the intended educational purpose of universities.
During the panel discussion, Erpelding said he disagrees and feels those types of programs are a place for students to feel included and safe, allowing them to thrive in their education.
Though the letter did stir up controversy, with some who read it believing the lawmakers wanted to do away with diversity, Ehardt said that was not the intent of the letter.
“Let me be very clear – absolutely support diversity,” she said. “We just believe that some of these initiatives and programs are not the most beneficial to all of the students.”
According to Ehardt, the letter was intended to bring to light whether or not the money spent on diversity programs is the best use of Idahoans' money - and they don't believe it is.
“Anything that’s funded by the school should be for all students and so that’s part of what we’re trying to make very clear here," she said. "We are for all the students. Not one Idaho student should feel like the’re not welcome at our institutions of higher education.”
Ehardt tells KTVB she is also concerned that money to pay for some of those diversity programs actually drives up the cost of tuition, which many state lawmakers do not want to see.
Buckner-Webb said very little funding for those programs actually comes from the state. And even if it did, she would still support it because she believes they have value.
“I have no problem with funding diversity because I think there’s an amazing value proposition," she said. "It’s part of the educational process – being able to work across differences successfully. That is an important need for anybody that’s going to work, or going to educate, or going to go to other countries, or remain right here in Boise.”
Buckner-Webb and Ehardt agreed in their opening statements that "this conversation needs to happen."
Erpelding added he was grateful for a chance to talk about the importance of these programs.
“Boise State students put this event together because they have a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusion programs on their campus,” he said. “Many of the students who showed up benefit from programs that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
"Boise State students want a stable economic future created by access to a diverse and inclusive community that provides a high quality of life," he added. "Senator Buckner-Webb and I are proud to stand up for the programs that help students to achieve those goals.”
Since the letter was sent, Ehardt acknowledges that she has had many successful discussions with Tromp and will continue to do so. She added this is a conversation that isn't going away and something that could likely be brought up in the 2020 legislative session.