Inside the Higher Education Culture Wars: Unpacking Key Dispatches and Insights

This week had an unwritten theme: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was on everyone’s minds in Idaho, stretching from the Statehouse to Washington, D.C.

While Idaho lawmakers focused on budget and education matters, discussions about DEI initiatives were hard to ignore. University presidents were scrutinizing their spending since DEI-related student centers were shut down. They were trying to figure out how much the state was saving from these closures, but their efforts didn’t yield much information.

The conversation echoed larger national trends, particularly as President Trump created a stir by freezing federal grants that could affect DEI programs. Although the freeze was quickly reversed, the scare left institutions like Idaho State University worried about losing up to $25 million in federal funding.

In recent developments, Trump issued an executive order aiming to cut federal support for schools that teach what he described as “discriminatory equity ideology.” This directive came as Idaho’s own DEI debates continued to unfold. The State Board of Education already banned DEI-focused student support centers, and an anti-DEI bill is being discussed in the Legislature.

This ongoing debate isn’t just about finances. Since 2023, the state has restricted taxpayer spending on DEI programs. As a result, universities rely more on private donations and student fees. However, the impact on budgets has been minimal. For instance, the University of Idaho’s former Office of Equity and Diversity had a budget of $1.3 million, compared to their total operating budget of $195.8 million this year.

Job cuts in DEI roles have also been limited. For example, Boise State University previously had only nine full-time positions tied to their now-closed Gender Equity Center and Student Equity Center. Out of about 1,250 full-time roles on campus, these reductions didn’t create a significant gap.

Universities are shifting some positions from DEI-focused centers to new support hubs that align with State Board preferences. Boise State’s president indicated that while they eliminated some positions, they might need to hire again to support their new Student Connections and Success Center.

During the legislative hearings, tensions ran high as lawmakers interrogated university leaders about DEI programs. Some legislators were frustrated, accusing their colleagues of wasting time discussing DEI certifications that were meant to be optional.

Even as debates grew heated, some legislators showed unexpected support for the university presidents. After discussing compliance with state orders, a conservative senator praised their efforts to adapt student services for everyone’s benefit.

DEI discussions may seem like a small part of Idaho’s education landscape, but they are becoming a significant issue. As the legislature continues its path toward anti-DEI measures, university leaders are doing their best to manage the situation, particularly when unexpected support comes their way.