Idaho legislature mandates DEI audits for Boise State and other universities by 2025

In a pivotal meeting on March 25, 2025, the Idaho Joint Finance-Appropriation Committee (JFAC) convened to discuss significant legislative measures impacting state universities and public health initiatives. The atmosphere was charged as committee members deliberated over the implications of a new mandate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) audits at Idaho's public universities.

The proposed language, which passed with a majority vote, requires the legislative audits division to assess Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis Clark State College, and the University of Idaho for compliance with state DEI codes. The universities are expected to report their findings back to JFAC by December 1, 2025. This move has sparked a heated debate, particularly among committee members who expressed concerns about the potential implications for university programs that support marginalized communities.

Senator Wintrow, a vocal opponent of the DEI audit, passionately defended the importance of these programs, recounting personal testimonies from students who benefited from support services like women's and multicultural centers. "All we're doing is really just eliminating support services for folks who have been on the margins," she lamented, emphasizing the historical context of inclusion in higher education. Wintrow argued that the audit could stifle free speech and the exchange of ideas on university campuses, countering the recent legislative push for free speech protections.

In contrast, supporters of the audit, including Representative Price, argued that it would clarify the universities' adherence to state laws regarding DEI spending, asserting that previous audits had shown no misuse of funds. The committee ultimately voted in favor of the audit, with a tally of 17 in favor and 3 against, signaling a significant shift in the legislative approach to DEI initiatives in Idaho.

The meeting also addressed the Idaho Millennium Fund, which allocates funds from a tobacco settlement to various public health initiatives. A motion was passed to allocate $6.7 million for programs aimed at youth behavioral health, including after-school programs and fentanyl awareness campaigns. This funding is seen as crucial in addressing the ongoing public health crisis related to substance abuse among youth.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions highlighted a broader tension within Idaho's legislative landscape—balancing fiscal responsibility and accountability with the need for inclusive support systems in education and public health. The outcomes of these legislative actions will likely resonate throughout the state, shaping the future of higher education and community health initiatives in Idaho.