Idaho, Mississippi Revise University DEI Policies

Mississippi and Idaho are seeing significant changes in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at public universities. The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning board has removed terms like 'diverse' and 'inclusiveness' from the University of Southern Mississippi’s mission statements, reflecting a broader trend among conservative states to pivot from DEI initiatives. Meanwhile, the Idaho State Board of Education is considering a resolution to eliminate DEI offices at several state universities, including the University of Idaho and Boise State University, as part of a larger debate on the role of such initiatives. These changes follow a national dialogue questioning the costs and impacts of DEI programs, with some arguing they are unnecessary and others expressing concerns about the potential negative effects on student inclusion and support. The resolutions could restructure or dissolve existing diversity offices, though federal grant-related diversity efforts will remain untouched. Both states emphasize ensuring student support and success, albeit through revised frameworks that shift away from centralized DEI structures.