The Faculty Senate passed two notable resolutions related to diversity, equity and inclusion, both calling for the University of Idaho to pursue more actions regarding the elimination of DEI practices in Idaho higher education.
Additionally, the Ubuntu Committee’s resolution recognized the contributions of the equity office staff and the Faculty Senate’s resolution called for amendments to the Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education bill.
Ubuntu Committee
The Ubuntu Committee passed a resolution in support of DEI.
In December, the Idaho State Board of Education mandated the closure of all DEI offices and initiatives at public universities, with full compliance required by June 30, 2025.
UI complied with the mandates, announcing the closure of UI’s DEI offices and programs including the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Diversity Center, the Black/African American Cultural Center, the LGBTQA Office and the Women’s Center over Winter Break.
The Ubuntu Committee’s purpose is to review university policy and programs affecting under-represented and under-served students, recommend changes and additions to university policies and programs that enhance student academic success, and promote values of respect, understanding and equality within a diverse university experience.
In their written resolution, the Ubuntu Committee recognized that the DEI offices and staff “demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments, providing essential support services and promoting diversity within our academic community,” and as such, “closure of these centers represents a significant loss to the university community, affecting students, faculty and staff who have relied on their resources and advocacy.”
“Be it resolved that the Ubuntu Committee formally acknowledges and commends the dedication, professionalism and invaluable contributions of the equity office staff, recognizing their tireless efforts to support students and the broader university community,” the resolution states. “Be it further resolved that the Ubuntu Committee expresses its deep appreciation for the hard work and passion of the equity office staff in fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment.”
In the final statements, the Ubuntu Committee “encourages the university to explore alternative avenues to continue diversity, equity and inclusion practices within the constraints of the new regulations, ensuring that core values of inclusivity and intentional support for all members of the Vandal family remain steadfast.”
“Be it finally resolved that the Ubuntu Committee stands in solidarity with the equity office staff and reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment for all,” the resolution concludes.
Faculty Senate
On April 22, Faculty Senate passed a resolution urging the Idaho Legislature to rescind or significantly amend the Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education bill “to preserve academic freedom, institutional autonomy and the fundamental right to freedom of inquiry.”
FIHE started as Senate Bill 1198 during the 2025 Legislative Session, with Governor Brad Little signing it into law. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
FIHE eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion offices, initiatives, programs, employees, mandatory DEI-related coursework and diversity considerations in admissions and employee hiring from Idaho’s higher education system.
Faculty Senate’s resolution regarding FIHE notes that “the language of FIHE creates uncertainty regarding which academic content, research or university programming may be subject to restriction or elimination, thereby undermining faculty and staff autonomy by introducing political oversight into academic decision-making” that “threatens academic freedom—an essential principle of American higher education, and one guaranteed by State Board Policy II.B., that ensures faculty may teach, research and publish without political or ideological interference—and thereby compromises the ability of Idaho’s institutions to foster genuine freedom of inquiry.”
“The Faculty Senate affirms its steadfast commitment to academic freedom, inclusive excellence and freedom of inquiry and stands in solidarity with faculty, staff and students throughout the state who are affected by this legislation,” the resolution said.
The resolution concludes by calling upon university leadership and the Idaho State Board of Education “to publicly advocate for the protection of academic freedom, shared governance and the ability of public colleges and universities to foster inclusive, intellectually rigorous environments for learning and research in accordance with existing academic freedom policy.”
Georgia Swanson can be reached at [email protected].