Idaho committee advances bill limiting DEI programs in public higher education; sends SB 1198 to general orders after 10-4 vote

Senate Bill 1198, a measure that would restrict DEI offices, required DEI trainings and bias-reporting systems at Idaho public institutions of higher education, moved out of committee to general orders after a roll-call vote of 10-4.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Ben Toews, presented the measure and described it as a compilation of “best practices” drawn from model language and statutes in other states. “The definition of bias reporting system means any office, department, position or system whose function it is to investigate, threaten disciplinary action, or otherwise punish enrolled students for expressions of speech protected by state or federal law,” Toews said, arguing the provision is intended to prevent what he called chilling of speech on campuses.

Supporters and opponents lined up for two-minute public testimonies. Samuel Lair of the Idaho Freedom Foundation said DEI has “transformed the mission” of universities and cited a foundation estimate that colleges spent $5.8 million on DEI salaries in 2023. “I believe we need to restore the credibility and refocus our institutions on their core mission,” Lair said. By contrast, Ashley Toman, a master of social work student, testified the bill “directly interferes with the mission” of social work…