Full Breakdown
Idaho Universities Allegedly Sidestep New Anti-DEI Law
1/26/2026, 9:31:57 PM
Overview of the Allegations
In Idaho, a watchdog group, the Goldwater Institute, has called for an investigation into four universities—University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University, and Lewis-Clark State College—accusing them of attempting to circumvent the recently enacted Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act. This law, effective from July 2023, prohibits mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses unrelated to students' fields of study, while allowing exemptions for programs primarily focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies.
Details of the Allegations
The Goldwater Institute claims that these universities are misapplying the law by seeking exemptions for courses that do not meet the specified criteria. Parker Jackson, a staff attorney for the institute, stated that the intent of the law is to prevent students from being compelled to take courses that promote what he describes as "discriminatory ideologies." He emphasized that degree programs such as social work or psychology should not include DEI mandates unless they are directly relevant to the program's focus.
According to Jackson, the Idaho Board of Education issued a memorandum that misinterprets the law, allowing for broader exemptions than intended. He pointed out that the law explicitly states that exemptions should only apply to courses whose titles indicate a focus on racial, ethnic, or gender studies. However, universities have reportedly received exemptions for courses like "Introduction to Inequity and Justice" within sociology programs, which do not explicitly align with the law's criteria.
Official Responses
In response to the allegations, the Idaho State Board of Education stated that it would cooperate fully with the Idaho Attorney General's Office regarding the investigation. A spokesperson for the board refrained from providing further comments at this time. Boise State University did not respond to requests for comment.
Criticism of the Universities' Actions
Critics, including Jackson, argue that the universities are manipulating the law to impose DEI-related courses on students. He described the situation as a "perversion of the law," asserting that institutions cannot evade the law's mandates by creating new requirements that contradict its intent. Jackson's letter to Attorney General Raul Labrador urges scrutiny of the exemptions granted and the memorandum's guidance, emphasizing that taxpayers should not fund what he terms "left-wing activism and indoctrination."
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Goldwater Institute's call for an investigation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding DEI initiatives in higher education. As the Idaho Attorney General's Office prepares to review the allegations, the outcome may set a precedent for how similar laws are interpreted and enforced in the future. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as the investigation unfolds.
