The Idaho Legislature’s decision to cut Boise State University’s budget by $409,000 came after recent disputes from lawmakers alleging public universities have a social justice agenda.
The cut is considered a compromise when compared to the proposed $18 million suggested by conservative lawmakers Rep. Priscilla Giddings and Rep. Ron Nate.
Legislators who voted against the budget cut see it as an attack on higher education in Idaho.
Senator David Nelson of District 5 said the narrative that Idaho’s universities have a social justice agenda is false.
“I don’t think in any place in Idaho are we social justice warriors,” Nelson said. “I don’t think we pay enough attention to it at all in education.”
The Idaho Freedom Foundation is a special interest group based in Boise intent on keeping government independent from institutions such as public universities. The foundation’s vice president, Dustin Hurst, made their stance on the recent budget cut clear.
“It’s a minor annoyance for (BSU),” Hurst said. “The budget needs to address that in all the four-year institutions.”
Sierra Pesnell can be reached at [email protected]