Wyoming House debates Senate File 103 on DEI; adopts narrower changes, delays enactment for fall semester

The Wyoming House spent much of the session on Senate File 103, titled in the bill text as terminating and defunding diversity, equity and inclusion, considering a series of amendments that would change how public colleges and universities may offer courses touching on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The measure drew repeated debate over whether the Legislature should dictate curriculum and whether trustees of the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges retain authority over degree programs. Representative Chestyck argued the trustees, not the Legislature, should control curricula, saying, "I think the trustees should be allowed to run the university the way they see fit. That's their job." Representative Harrelson, the bill sponsor, defended legislative oversight and moved several cleanup and clarifying amendments.

Why it matters: The bill directly affects how public…