H.B. 261 - Equal Opportunity Initiatives

Better Utah Position

– Oppose

Year

2024

Bill Status

– Passed

Summary

Broadly prohibits “diversity, equity, and inclusion” statements, submissions, practices, programs, and initiatives based on “prohibited discriminatory practices” in state and local government entities, including public higher education institutions, instead requiring the establishment of “student success and support” centers or positions that provide support, guidance, and resources to all students, including those at higher risk of not completing a certificate or degree; for higher education institutions, also requires the online publishing of the syllabi of all mandatory courses, seminars, classes, workshops, and training sessions, annual employee training on the separations of personal political advocacy from an institution’s business and employment activities, the development of strategies to promote viewpoint diversity on campuses, the establishment of policies and procedures to include opportunities for education and research on free speech and civic education, and an annual “campus expression climate survey” to measure student and faculty “perception of and experience with an institution’s campus environment”.

Passed in House and Senate

Signed by Governor Cox 1/30/24

Read More on the Utah Legislature website >>