A battle is brewing in Idaho over the future of higher education, as a legal watchdog accuses state universities of actively undermining a new law designed to protect academic freedom. The “Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act,” intended to prevent the mandatory imposition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology on students outside of relevant fields, is already facing challenges.
The Goldwater Institute alleges that four universities – the University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University, and Lewis-Clark State College – are attempting to circumvent the spirit of the law. They’ve reportedly sought exemptions for courses that, according to the Institute, should not qualify, effectively continuing to require DEI-focused instruction for students in unrelated majors.
The core of the dispute lies in how the law defines exemptions. It specifically allows for exceptions only for degree programs *explicitly* focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies. The Goldwater Institute argues that the Idaho Board of Education issued a misleading memorandum, broadening the scope of eligible exemptions and opening a loophole for universities to continue mandating DEI coursework.
According to a letter sent to Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, the Board’s interpretation essentially allows universities to sidestep the law by embedding DEI requirements within degree programs and then claiming exemption for the individual courses. This, the Institute contends, defeats the entire purpose of the legislation – protecting students from unwanted ideological instruction.
The concern isn’t merely theoretical. The University of Idaho, for example, has secured a DEI exemption for its sociology program, citing a required course titled “Introduction to Inequity and Justice.” Despite the course’s focus, sociology itself isn’t a dedicated race, ethnic, or gender studies program, raising questions about the appropriateness of the exemption.
The Goldwater Institute’s argument is stark: taxpayers should not be funding what they describe as “left-wing activism and indoctrination” within university curricula. The law aims to ensure students pursuing degrees in fields like social work, counseling, or psychology can focus on their core studies without being subjected to unrelated ideological frameworks.
The stakes are high, extending beyond Idaho’s borders. This case is being watched as a potential precedent in a growing national debate over the role of DEI in higher education. The Attorney General’s investigation could determine whether the law’s intent will be upheld, or if universities will be allowed to continue shaping curricula with a specific ideological lens.
The Board of Education has stated it will cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation, but declined to offer further comment. The universities themselves have largely remained silent, deferring inquiries to the Board. The outcome of this legal challenge will undoubtedly shape the academic landscape in Idaho and potentially influence similar debates across the country.
