Kyle Keckler
News Editor
Students accustomed to passing the Diversity Resource Center, formerly situated in Rendezvous Room 129, may have noticed that the office is now empty. This is the result of a series of higher-education resolutions recently passed by the Idaho State Board of Education, which primarily focused on altering state policy regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) centers in public Idaho higher-education institutions.
The resolution, titled “A Resolution on DEI Ideology in Higher Education,” defines DEI ideology as “… an approach that prioritizes ‘personal identity characteristics’ (race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or gender identity) over individual merit.” It disallows programs that are based on this aforementioned definition, stating that “… institutions shall ensure that no student resource or student success center serves students based on DEI ideology” and “… institutions shall not establish or maintain a central office, policy, procedure, or initiative that promotes DEI ideology.”
For students who may be concerned about the availability of student support services after the resolution, a press release issued by the State Board reads: “The Board heard from Boise State, Idaho State, the University of Idaho, and Lewis and Clark State College… Each institution emphasized that they have been working diligently with students, staff, and faculty to maintain support services while ensuring every student has access to student success centers.” At Idaho State University, student support programs like the Diversity Resource Centre and Gender Equity Center (both of which were dissolved per the resolution) will still be available to students, although heavily altered. These programs are now reorganized under the Office of the Dean of Students, with programming more oriented towards supporting student organizations.
In the State Board press release, the resolution was said to “… align with the actions of Governor Brad Little, the Idaho Legislature, and existing Board policies.” Also included was a quote from Dr. Linda Clark, President of the State Board of Education, stating, “I believe our actions as a Board today are a strong signal to all Idaho students that our institutions are prepared to meet whatever needs they have when they walk through the door.”
The resolution states that the changes were made to better ensure equal support for Idaho students regardless of their background, characteristics, or situation. No aspects of the resolution suggest the creation of support programs in lieu of those that may be closed following the resolution’s enactment. Institutions such as Idaho State are expected to complete the changes by June 30, 2025.
For more information, please visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov
