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JFAC orders legislative audit of DEI compliance at Idaho public universities
Summary
The committee directed the Legislative Audits Division to audit Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis‑Clark State College and the University of Idaho for compliance with Idaho code related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and to report back to the committee by Dec. 1, 2025.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee voted to require an audit of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices and compliance at Idaho's four major public higher‑education institutions.
Kevin Campbell, Legislative Services Office analyst, described the language: “This language mandates that the legislative audits division of the legislative services office will audit Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis Clark State College, and the University of Idaho for compliance with Idaho code relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will report back to JFAC by 12/01/2025.”
Representative Price moved the language and members debated whether prior self‑audits by the institutions had already established that appropriated funds were not being used for DEI. Senator Zetterfeld said the universities had documented compliance in a prior audit and asserted, “they did not spend a dime of appropriated money on anything DEI… They were given the law and they follow the law and they did that.” Senator Wintrow and other members raised concerns about potential impacts on student support programs that had been described as “life‑saving” by some former staff and students.
Committee members discussed estimated audit costs; Senator Woodward said the estimate ran between $40,000 and $110,000 and that $40,000 was a likely figure. After debate, the committee approved the audit language on a roll call that yielded a committee majority in favor.
The motion requires the Legislative Audits Division to complete audits and report by Dec. 1, 2025. The committee approved the language and moved it forward as part of the college and university package.
