JUST IN: Idaho bans 'diversity statements' for higher education admissions, employment

Last Thursday Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill into law that would ban diversity statements across higher educational state institutions.  

The governor posted Monday, "It’s official – Idaho has banned 'diversity statements' ACROSS STATE GOVERNMENT!" 

"I’m proud to sign this bill and ensure Idahoans are hired or accepted into college based on merit and hard work." 

Senate Bill 1274, will "prohibit the requirement of statements regarding diversity as a condition of employment in postsecondary education" in the state of Idaho. Statements will also be banned as a requirement of "an admissions process" to any public college.  

The bill specifies, "No public postsecondary educational institution in the state of Idaho shall require or solicit a diversity statement as part of an admissions process, employment application process, hiring process, contract renewal process, or promotion process or as a condition of participation in any administrative or decision-making function of the institution." 

Sponsors of the bill, state senators Treg A. Bernt and James Petzke introduced the bill earlier in February and took effect immediately after being signed last Thursday.  

Similar bills have passed in Utah, Texas and Florida as well. Idaho is the latest to be added to the list which will ban the use of such required statements in higher education at public colleges and universities.