Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill on March 20, to restrict teachings of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools in the state, and also assigning people to the bathrooms of their biological sex.
Following in Florida’s footsteps, the Alabama legislation prohibits local public schools from teaching or promoting the DEI.
It also bars students, employees, and contractors from being required to attend any DEI training, orientation, or course work that “advocates or requires assent to a divisive concept.”
The bill also requires public universities to designate restrooms on the basis of biological sex, which Alabama law defines as the physical condition of being male or female, and not with the gender that aligns with how a person identifies.
“Look, if you are a biological male, you are not going to be competing in women’s and girls’ sports in Alabama, it’s about fairness, plain and simple,” Ivey said
“As a high school history teacher, I’m appalled at Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s signage of a bill to ban all things DEI in public colleges and offices. The argument that DEI teaches divisive concepts is both a lie and ignorant. DEi initiatives do not blame anyone for the past, but instead encourages us to ;earn from it and move forward in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse,” NHS History teacher Rachel Torres said.
This bill also empowers state agencies, including local boards of education and public universities to discipline the employees or contractors who violate this act.
However, the law specifically notes that it does not prohibit students and staff from hosting DEI programs, but no state funds can be utilized.
I think it says a lot about what’s on the forefront of the government’s mind,” NHS Junior Trix Mazarakos said.
In early March, protesters rallied outside of the Alabama state capitol and urged lawmakers to oppose the bill. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), also spoke out against the bill.
“To the State of Alabama: why would you make it illegal for institutions of higher learning to promote diversity and inclusion among its faculty and staff? Why would you block fair representation and opportunities for all people,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin wrote on X.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has said he would encourage Black athletes to consider attending universities outside of his state if the bill were to become a law.
“How horrible that this ban is introduced in the state where Rosa Parks and countless other civil rights activists fought for desegregation and equality. I can’t imagine being a black Alabmanan right now. I would be so angry and afraid. Governor Ivey and supporters of this ban are enacting restrictions on democracy and freedom, and this will inevitably be destructive to our nation,” Torres said.