Adds to existing law to establish provisions to ensure freedom of inquiry in higher education.
EDUCATION -- Adds to existing law to establish provisions to ensure freedom of inquiry in higher education.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This legislation works to protect freedom of inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge in Idaho’s institutions of higher education by freeing students and faculty from compulsory ideological training. In addition, it prohibits DEI-based discrimination in admission and hiring, DEI-related employee incentives, DEI offices and officer positions, diversity training, and bias reporting systems. Students also may not be forced to enroll in a course designed and implemented with DEI principles unless their chosen course of study is based on these concepts. Institutions are held accountable via annual reporting to the Attorney General and legislature, along with a private cause of action for injunctive relief and/or penalties from the AG’s office for failure to comply. This will not affect centers and scholarships for American Indian students.
HOW THEY VOTED
Senate Third Reading
YEA (27)
House Third Reading
YEA (52)
NAY (17)
ABSENT / NOT VOTING (1)
Senate Third Reading
YEA (23)
LATEST ACTION
Session Law Chapter 317 Effective: 07/01/2025