WASHINGTON—Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with two million grassroots activists, including thousands of Utahns, commends the Utah Legislature and Gov. Spencer Cox for passing and signing HB 261, important legislation that prevents colleges and universities from implementing discriminatory “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) policies.
Heritage Action’s Utah State Director Nathan Duell praised the Utah Legislature and Gov. Cox for signing this breakthrough legislation, saying:
“Today is a great day for Utahns. HB 261 is a victory for academic freedom, opportunity, and debate—and shows that DEI’s discriminatory policies have no place in the Beehive State. Heritage Action applauds the Utah Legislature and Gov. Cox for supporting legislation that reflects the growing American resistance to the Left’s destructive DEI agenda.
“While HB 261 is the first of its kind signed at the state level this year, we look forward to working alongside hard working Americans to advocate for similar legislation across the country.”
This legislation reflects the growing nationwide momentum to push back against radical progressive agendas that prioritize unconstitutional, discriminatory policies over merit and equality. Gov. Cox’s signing of HB 261 builds on the success of states like Oklahoma that took action last year, with support from Heritage Action and The Heritage Foundation, to ban DEI at colleges and universities.
BACKGROUND:
The Heritage Foundation: Diversity University: DEI Bloat in the Academy
The Daily Signal: State Lawmakers Are Freeing Colleges From DEI’s Racial Bias
Fox Business: Diversity, equity and inclusion programs took a hit in 2023