BOISE, Idaho — On Wednesday, the Idaho State Board of Education (ISBOE) passed a resolution that bans offices that promote DEI Ideology on college campuses.
This is similar to the "Resolution on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" that the board introduced in November - but Wednesday's resolution had a few additions based on feedback the board received.
Wednesday's resolution was renamed, and it is now called "Resolutions on DEI Ideology," which defines DEI Ideology as “any approach that prioritizes personal identity characteristics over individual merit.”
The resolution's intent is to ensure universities are "invested in the success of every student. It mandates that institutions “shall not establish or maintain central offices” that promote such ideology.
This would affect the four higher public education institutes in the state: Idaho State University, Boise State University, The University of Idaho, and Lewis Clark State College.
The resolutions will very little affect the Lewis Clark College who does not have these types of offices. But for the three other universities, this resolution will force closures of DEI offices that have been on these college campus for years.
All four universities attended the meeting and heard the decision.
Idaho students disappointed with the vote
Daniel Liera, a 2014 University of Idaho graduate, shared his personal experience with KTVB about DEI programs, particularly the DEI offices on campus. Liera, who now pursues graduate studies at the university, credits these centers for providing vital support during his time as an undergraduate student.
"I think it was the first time that I was able to not only understand my perspective as a Latino in higher education but also learn from others and understand intersectionality," Liera said. "Being in that center created a home away from home. If those centers weren't there, I wouldn't be where I am right now."
Liera, along with other alumni, emailed the State Board ahead of Wednesday's meeting, urging them to reconsider the resolution. In the letter, they emphasized the importance of DEI offices for student well-being, particularly for those facing unique challenges.
"[My] mom and dad don't understand how to help me with homework. They don’t understand how to do FAFSA," Liera explained. "But these individuals that run these offices create an atmosphere where we can go in and not be ashamed to request additional support."
Liera is just one of hundreds who were hoping the resolution would not pass.
Josh Whitworth, executive director of the State Board, said a survey was conducted to gauge student opinions on the resolution. Of the 687 responses, about 80% expressed opposition, with 10% supporting the resolution and 9% indifferent or offering alternative views.
Whitworth followed that with, "That also doesn’t make it wrong to make changes.”
"I have the same feeling as everybody—a little bit of anger, upset, a lot of emotions," Liera said.
KTVB previously interviewed Idaho State and University of Idaho students when we first saw universities closing DEI centers in November before an official vote approving the resolution took place.
Board members wished some universities held off until the final vote
Before the resolution was passed, both Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and board member William Gilbert raised concerns about universities taking action before the resolution was final.
The resolutions states institutions will need to comply by the new guidelines and make changes by June 30, 2025.
"We do value all of the external stakeholders, but this is the governing body," Critchfield said. "And I think for these types of issues, we weigh more heavily than anyone else in this case."
"I understand the pressure, noise, and potential outcomes from the legislature and or other constituencies, but with respect, those constituencies are not the board of governors or board of trustees or your institution or the other institutions," Gilbert said. "This is of significant weight. It has across all of our campuses for the system as a whole and for all the students that matriculate in our system, these are exactly the kind of decisions that a board like this exists for. I think it's unfortunate and a bit disappointed that was not the process that was used here because that's specially the point of having a board of trustees like this."
ISU President, Robert Wagner defended their decision to close DEI units in November. He added, they wanted to get ahead of any sudden deadlines that could come in the upcoming legislative session.
"We felt like the engagement we had was sufficient for us to make the internal institutional decisions that we were made," Wagner said.
BSU President Marlene Tromp also responded to the comments from Gilbert and Critchfield. She said they too had been anticipating changes for months.
"I am gravely concerned that students and community members have felt devalued, which is something that our board has noted, Tromp said. "And I want to affirm that we remain committed to each and every one of them, wherever they are, wherever they're from."
The University of Idaho originally announced it would be close its DEI offices Dec. 14. But shortly after decided to hold off until a decision from the board on the resolution.
"We've held three open meetings with our students directly affected by these changes, their feedback, you know, does reflect a sense, a deep sense of loss and sadness about the closures," UI President Scott Green said in the board meeting Wednesday.
In an email to KTVB, UI said it's Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Diversity Center, the Black/African American Cultural Center, the LGBTQA Office and the Women's Center will all "close by the start of the spring semester" now that the resolution has passed.
Other concerns of consequences, but ultimately the resolution still passed
Board member Kurt Liebich voiced concerns over the potential consequences of passing the resolution, questioning its impact on Idaho campuses. "I absolutely understand why we should focus on DEI issues," he said. "But where I get concerned is the unintended consequences of this action."
Despite the reservations, the board passed the resolution unanimously. Liera, who was present at the meeting, expressed disappointment in the outcome.
The decision marks a significant shift in the state's approach to DEI, with significant implications for university programs and student support services.