Jacksonville State University is the first public college in Alabama to announce compliance with a new law passed in March by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Governor Kay Ivey, prohibiting state funds from being spent on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices and initiatives.

In a university-wide announcement, JSU President Don Killingsworth Jr. said the school will formally close its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, effective May 31.

Killingsworth wrote that the decision is rooted in compliance with the new law and “was not made lightly, but is necessary,” in his message to students, faculty and staff.

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“All current employees within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion have been offered and have accepted positions in other areas across campus,” he announced. “The decision to close the office ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline, as mandated by the state, is to ensure these employees have sufficient time to transition to their new roles before the flurry of the fall semester begins.”

“As we undergo this transition we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Jax State community.”

The new law was championed through the Alabama Legislature this year with unanimous support of Republicans in both chambers, sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), and ultimately signed by Governor Ivey at the end of March.

It places several prohibitions into law effective October 1, 2024: State agencies, public schools, state colleges and universities cannot use taxpayer funds for DEI offices or initiatives. State institutions are also prohibited from directing or compelling a student or employee to affirm, adopt, or adhere to any of the nine divisive concepts defined under the law.

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The law explicitly states the law will not prevent students, faculty, organizations, or associations from hosting DEI programs or discussions that may involve divisive concepts — so as long as no state funds are used.

Other states across the country are implementing similar measures, most notably Florida, which recently saw its largest public college, the University of Florida, eliminate its office of diversity, instead investing a $5 million DEI earmark into a retirement fund to benefit faculty members.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270