University of Alabama shutters DEI offices, joining Texas and Florida schools in kicking wokeness off campus

The University of Alabama is the latest public college system to do away with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, following the passage of a new law barring public institutions in the state from pushing “divisive concepts” that encourage discrimination based on traits like race or sex.

UA campuses in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Huntsville all pulled the plug on their respective DEI programs on Tuesday to ensure compliance with the law, which also requires public universities in the state to designate bathrooms based solely on biological sex.

Under Senate Bill 129 — signed into law by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and taking effect Oct. 1 — certain government entities and public institutions are forbidden from implementing any form of DEI programming or operating any offices under its banner.

The law prohibits “the promotion, endorsement and affirmation” of what it calls “divisive concepts” in public settings, as well as outlines penalties for violations.