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Senate sends Dixie State name-change process back to community, passes bill
Summary
The Senate passed first substitute House Bill 278, which removes a unilateral legislative name change and requires Dixie State University trustees and a locally constituted heritage committee to propose a name through a public process.
The Senate adopted first substitute House Bill 278 on March 3, returning the naming decision for Dixie State University to the university’s trustees and a local heritage committee. The substitute removes an immediate legislative name deletion and establishes a community-driven process for recommending and selecting any new institutional name.
Sponsor Senator Ipsen explained the substitute requires the university board, in consultation with the Utah Board of Higher Education and a newly created heritage committee, to solicit input from students, alumni and Southwestern Utah residents before proposing a name for legislative consideration. The bill also requires the trustees to form a heritage committee to document local heritage on campus.
Floor discussion covered strong views on both sides. Senator Ibsen described deep local ties to the name and his family history in Washington County and urged a local process; other senators noted concerns about possible alumni alienation but praised the community engagement built into the substitute. Senator Johnson and others warned against 'cancel culture' rhetoric but did not block the substitute. The Senate passed the substitute by roll call, the president announced the tally as 26 yeas, 3 nays, and the bill will be returned to the House.
