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
▶ Show statement of purpose▼ Hide 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.
FISCAL NOTE
▶ Show fiscal note▼ Hide fiscal note
There may be long-term cost savings associated with ending the DEI administrative apparatus in taxpayer-funded institutions of higher education, as some positions and programs will end. It could save up to $3.8 Million based on the 51 associated positions previously identified in Idaho’s Higher Education institutions.
HOW THEY VOTED
Senate Third Reading
Show all 35 voter namesHide individual votes
YEA (27)
House Third Reading
Show all 69 voter namesHide individual votes
YEA (52)
NAY (17)
ABSENT / NOT VOTING (1)
Senate Third Reading
Show all 35 voter namesHide individual votes
YEA (23)
LATEST ACTION
Session Law Chapter 317 Effective: 07/01/2025
BILL INFO
- Session
- 2025
- Chamber
- senate
- Status date
- Apr 4, 2025
RELATED BILLS
More by Ben Toews
Similar bills

