Bill > S1123

This bill establishes new regulations for public higher education institutions in Idaho concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The legislation defines DEI ideology as an approach that prioritizes personal identity characteristics over individual merit and prohibits institutions from using such characteristics in employment or educational decisions. Specifically, institutions are required to: maintain equal opportunity for all students, avoid establishing DEI-focused offices or initiatives, prevent student resource centers from operating based on DEI ideology, prohibit mandatory declarations of gender identity or preferred pronouns, and create a public process for reporting violations. Institutions found in violation will face escalating financial penalties, starting at $10,000 for the first violation and increasing to $50,000 for subsequent violations, with potential audits and considerations of program termination for repeated infractions. The bill does include exceptions for supporting American Indian students through specific centers, cultural events, and scholarships. Institutions must report verified violations to the state board of education and legislative education committees, with the board having discretion to reallocate funds from violating departments towards merit-based scholarships. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that higher education focuses on individual merit rather than identity-based considerations.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1123/