The Idaho State Board of Education has approved several draft resolutions set to significantly change policies at the state’s four-year institutions. The new directives address campus diversity, institutional governance, and freedom of expression. Board President Dr. Linda Clark stated the moves come after hearing concerns from lawmakers and community members over several years, aiming to create a more balanced and fair academic environment for all students.
New Directives on Diversity and Inclusion
In a major policy shift, the board is moving to limit the scope of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses. The draft resolutions are designed to ensure that institutional policies are not solely focused on DEI activities and that all students receive equal opportunities regardless of their personal background.
Board President Dr. Linda Clark acknowledged the national conversation surrounding these issues, noting, “These concerns are being expressed not only in Idaho but in many states across the nation.” The board plans to work with institutions to gather input before making a final decision in a future meeting.
The new guidelines aim to refocus campus support systems to serve the entire student body. Key directives outlined in the resolutions include:
- Student success centers must be available to all students without discrimination.
- Central offices and official policies are not to be dedicated only to DEI activities.
- Employees and students will not be required to declare their gender identity or preferred pronouns.
This approach is intended to ensure that resources are applied universally, promoting a unified campus community rather than segmenting it.
Bolstering Governance and Presidential Accountability
The board also introduced resolutions to strengthen institutional governance, placing a clear emphasis on the authority and accountability of university presidents. According to State Board Executive Director Joshua Whitworth, this move is about clarifying leadership roles. “This resolution establishes presidential power at public postsecondary institutions, ensuring that final decisions rest with the Presidents,” he explained.
The board will be responsible for holding presidents accountable for their performance under these new guidelines. To achieve this, institutions will now be required to develop transparent criteria for evaluating university presidents.
Additionally, the resolutions call for more rigorous oversight of faculty. Institutions must report actions taken during post-tenure reviews directly to the Board and develop comprehensive codes of conduct for all faculty members. This signals a move towards greater transparency and higher standards for academic staff.
Championing Free Speech with Neutrality
Another critical focus of the board’s resolutions is the protection of freedom of expression. The new policies are designed to uphold academic freedom while ensuring that university environments remain neutral on contentious public issues. This is meant to foster open dialogue and intellectual diversity.
The resolution clearly states, “Institutions shall maintain institutional neutrality, protect speakers’ rights to free expression, and ensure the safety of those participating in constitutionally protected speech.” To further increase transparency, universities will also be required to make all course syllabi publicly available online.
| Directive Area | Key Requirement | Stated Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Stance | Remain neutral on controversial topics | Foster open dialogue |
| Speaker Rights | Protect free expression for all speakers | Ensure safety and participation |
| Academic Transparency | Make all course syllabi publicly accessible | Inform students and the public |
Major Changes to Graduation and Student Life
Beyond policy changes, the board approved several concrete initiatives that will directly impact students. These include updated high school graduation requirements and a massive investment in student housing.
Starting with the graduating class of 2028, students will need to complete a digital literacy class. This course will cover essential modern skills, including basic computer science, artificial intelligence, coding, and internet safety. The traditional senior project is also being updated to a “Future Readiness Project,” focusing on real-world applications of college and career skills.
Furthermore, the board approved a $163 million request from the University of Idaho to dramatically improve student housing. The funds will be used to renovate existing residence halls and construct new apartment-style housing, directly addressing the need for better living conditions on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Idaho State Board of Education’s new resolutions?
The primary goal is to redefine campus policies on diversity, governance, and free speech to create an inclusive, fair, and academically rigorous environment that provides support for all students while defending principles of free expression.
Are DEI programs being eliminated in Idaho universities?
The resolutions do not eliminate DEI entirely but aim to ensure that central offices and policies are not dedicated solely to DEI activities. The focus is shifting to make student success centers and other resources available to all students equally.
How will university presidents be affected by these changes?
University presidents will have their authority formally established, making them the final decision-makers on campus. However, they will also face increased accountability, with clear evaluation criteria and more direct oversight from the State Board.
What does “institutional neutrality” mean for Idaho campuses?
It means that universities and colleges must not take official stances on controversial political or social issues. This policy is intended to ensure the campus remains a place for open debate where all viewpoints can be expressed freely and safely.
Will students be required to state their preferred pronouns?
No. The new directives explicitly state that neither employees nor students can be required to declare their gender identity or preferred pronouns.
What new academic requirements are being added for high school students?
Beginning with the class of 2028, high school graduates will need to pass a digital literacy class covering topics like AI and coding. The senior project is also being updated to better demonstrate career readiness.
