In a significant decision, the Utah State Board of Education has rejected a motion aimed at formally adopting a position against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, following an intense outcry from the community. The vote took place on Thursday, as board members deliberated on a proposed resolution that labelled DEI as akin to “Soviet” and “Marxist” practices, directing Utah public schools to dismantle any DEI initiatives.

The resolution, which failed with a vote of 10-4, drew hundreds of phone calls and emails from concerned constituents prior to the board meeting. It posited that many Utah public schools were in violation of state law regarding DEI, although it lacked specific examples to support this assertion. Five board members initially advocated for the resolution, but several ultimately chose not to vote in favour of it, arguing that resolutions are not effective means for addressing issues within school districts.

Board member Molly Hart voiced opposition, stating, “If we have problems in our districts, we do not write resolutions. period. A resolution does virtually nothing besides create chaos.” Only one of the original proponents, board member Cole Kelley, maintained support for the proposal after considering the community backlash.

LeAnn Wood, the board’s second vice chair, mentioned receiving numerous calls from constituents alarmed by the draft of the resolution, which was rapidly circulated online earlier in the week. During public comments, teachers and community members highlighted the vital role that diverse backgrounds play in students’ learning processes. Amelia Landay, a Title I elementary school teacher, argued that ignoring students’ identities undermines educational policy. Lexi Cunningham, of the Utah School Superintendents Association, further reinforced the idea that the resolution could foster misinformation about Utah’s educational standards and its commitment to inclusivity.

The rejected proposal initially linked DEI to historical Soviet practices and, while an updated draft removed explicit references to communism, it retained language suggesting DEI’s principles were fundamentally aligned with Soviet ideologies. However, Rebekah Ramsay, a historian specialising in Soviet history from the University of California, Berkeley, refuted these claims. She described the translation of Soviet policies as misapplied, explaining that “korenizatsiia” is better understood as “nativization,” a policy concerning governance and autonomy rather than inclusion as the resolution asserted.

DEI practices have been a topic of political contention in recent years, particularly following significant national events that magnified discussions around equity and inclusion. The American Psychological Association defines DEI as essential to ensuring fair treatment and participation for all, particularly historically underrepresented populations. In Utah, DEI initiatives have already faced governmental pushback, with laws enacted in recent years that restrict their implementation across public institutions.

In a parallel development, Georgia lawmakers are making advances in legislation that could substantially restrict DEI initiatives across public schools and universities. House Bill 127 was passed in the Senate with a vote of 33-21 and is awaiting final approval from the House. The bill seeks to exclude any policies connected to race, colour, sex, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Similar legislation has gained traction in various states across the U.S. as the political climate increasingly shifts against DEI practices.

Supporters of the Georgia bill, including Republican Senator Max Burns, argue that DEI has become discriminatory and that the proposed legislation is necessary to ensure equality of opportunity for all students. Conversely, opponents assert that such measures could reverse the progress made in civil rights and North American society’s commitment to inclusivity. Concerns have been raised about the bill’s potential impact on historically Black universities and the broader implications it may have on educational content and student organisations.

The evolving discourse surrounding DEI continues to ignite heated debates in educational and political spheres, suggesting that the matter will remain a focal point for legislative action and public debate in both Utah and Georgia in the forthcoming months.

Source: Noah Wire Services