Utah board rejects resolution directing removal of 'diversity, equity and inclusion' from schools after extended debate

The Utah State Board of Education considered, debated and declined to adopt a resolution directing removal of programs, trainings or offices referenced as "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI) from Utah schools. The underlying resolution (Draft 2) was defeated in a recorded vote; the final tabulation in the meeting transcript shows the motion to adopt the resolution failed with 10 votes against and 4 in favor.

Board members spent more than an hour debating the resolution and multiple procedural motions. Member Hall moved to postpone consideration of the resolution to the full board meeting on May 1, 2025; that postponement motion was seconded by Member Kelly and later voted on — the transcript records a separate vote to postpone to May 1 that failed 9 against, 5 in favor. A separate attempt to postpone indefinitely (offered as an amendment by Member Earl) also failed (vote recorded in transcript as 10 against, 4 in favor).

Discussion centered on three topics: whether a board resolution is the appropriate vehicle for what some called a rule‑like…