Alabama has passed a contentious law, identified as SB129, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools and dictates that bathrooms must be assigned based on “biological sex.” This legislation, which is scheduled to take effect on October 1, also limits discussions on certain “divisive concepts” in educational settings and prescribes penalties for those who do not comply. Governor Kay Ivey has positioned this measure as a defense against what she perceives as a spreading “liberal political movement.” However, opposition has emerged from various quarters including Democrats, student organizations, and civil rights groups, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin vocalizing their criticism. The law is part of a broader national trend among Republican-led states aiming to curb diversity initiatives.

Concurrently, a group of Republican attorneys general from 24 states has expressed opposition to a proposal by the Biden administration designed to boost diversity in workplace apprenticeship programs. This proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Labor seeks to augment the National Apprenticeship System rules to diversify on-the-job training and protect new workers. Critics, including Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, argue that the initiative could foster race-based discrimination. The proposal has sparked a debate over the balance between fairness and opportunity versus potential impacts like increased costs and decreased enrollment in apprenticeship programs. This controversy underscores the growing divide in the United States over the implementation and implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies across both educational and employment sectors.