Louisiana House Bans DEI Offices, Training in State Agencies, Colleges

Several states are advancing legislation to restrict or ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in public institutions, sparking significant debate. In Louisiana, House Bill 685 passed the House, banning DEI offices, training, and race- or gender-based hiring preferences in state agencies and public colleges, with lawmakers divided largely along racial lines; opponents argue the bill is racially insensitive and divisive, while supporters claim it promotes fairness and compliance with federal directives. Idaho enacted Senate Bill 1198, prohibiting DEI programs in higher education, including mandatory DEI coursework, though the State Board of Education is allowing temporary exemptions for certain courses to accommodate ongoing summer classes. Despite the new Idaho law, Boise State University continues offering a DEI certificate program while assessing the law's implications. In Ohio, lawmakers are targeting DEI in public K-12 schools, with a new bill introduced to ban DEI elements, citing concerns that DEI emphasizes race over individual effort; educators express concern that such bans could hinder support for diverse student needs. These legislative efforts reflect a broader trend in Republican-led states to curtail DEI initiatives amid heated debates about race, equity, and educational policy.