SB 1274: Idaho Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Requiring Diversity Statements
Summary
SB 1274 was adopted in March 2024 and became effective on July 1, 2024. The law requires hiring or admission decisions at any public higher education institution in the state to be made on merit alone. It prohibits higher education institutions from soliciting diversity statements as part of the admissions or employment process. The law defines a diversity statement as a written or oral statement that discusses the applicant's race, sex, color, ethnicity, or sexual orientation or their views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, social justice, privileges, or theories that advocate for "differential treatment" based on the listed characteristics. The law specifies that it does not prohibit a candidate from discussing any of these topics if they choose to do so.
