Idaho Freedom Foundation President Ron Nate issued the following statement regarding Gov. Brad Little signing Senate Bill 1198, the Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act:

This evening Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1198, effectively eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and offices from the state's higher education system. This decision follows the approval of a higher education budget that includes $4 million in DEI-related cuts, with Boise State University (BSU) and the University of Idaho each facing a $2 million reduction.

We at the Idaho Freedom Foundation have been sounding the alarms on DEI ever since it started to creep into our universities. Since 2020, we have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the detrimental influence of DEI and Critical Race Theory (CRT) in higher education. Through extensive research reports, we have exposed the left-wing rot prevalent in Idaho's academic institutions.

The passage of Senate Bill 1198, the "death sentence" for DEI, owes much to the efforts of Senator Ben Toews. His leadership was crucial in pushing the bill through the Legislature. We’d also like to recognize the efforts of Rep. Judy Boyle, Sen. Todd Lakey, Sen. Brian Lenney, Rep. Dale Hawkins, Rep. Barbara Ehardt, Rep. Elaine Price, Senate Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon, and Speaker Mike Moyle. 

While we celebrate this victory, the Idaho Freedom Foundation remains vigilant, ever watchful for the next leftist ideology to peak its ugly head around the corner. Thank you to all the lawmakers, organizations, and supporters that have made the passage of this bill possible. We look forward to a world where our state’s universities are free from this divisive ideology and can return their attention to academic excellence.

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