Alaska's Universities Shouldn't Fear Diversity, Says State Senator

Löki Tobin calls on University of Alaska Board of Regents to uphold inclusion and reject anti-DEI policies.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an opinion piece, Alaska State Senator Löki Tobin argues that the University of Alaska system should not be afraid of diversity and inclusion. Tobin, who attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, criticizes the Board of Regents for implementing an "anti-inclusion motion" despite a federal court ruling invalidating the directive that prompted it. Tobin urges the Board to reaffirm the university's commitment to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

Why it matters

The debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in higher education has become a contentious political issue. Tobin's op-ed highlights how these policies are playing out at the University of Alaska, where the Board of Regents has taken a stance against DEI initiatives despite legal challenges. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the university system and the students it serves.

The details

Tobin recounts her own experience of finding a sense of identity and belonging at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she connected with another mixed-race Black student. However, she expresses concern that the university she knew may no longer be the same one that current students attend, as the Board of Regents has aligned itself with those who oppose inclusion and diversity. Tobin criticizes the Board's "anti-inclusion motion" and its refusal to rescind or revise the policy, despite a federal court ruling invalidating the directive that prompted it.

  • The University of Alaska Anchorage eliminated the sociology major, which Tobin and her friend had both studied.
  • Tobin called her mother during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, but her mother advised her to stop talking about race and racism.
  • The federal 'Dear Colleague' directive that prompted the University of Alaska's anti-inclusion policy has been invalidated, but the Board of Regents has stated it has no immediate plans to rescind or revise the policy.

The players

Löki Tobin

An Alaska State Senator who chairs the Alaska Senate Education Committee and represents Senate District I. Tobin is a former student at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

University of Alaska Anchorage

A public university that is part of the University of Alaska system.

University of Alaska Board of Regents

The governing body of the University of Alaska system, which has implemented an "anti-inclusion motion" despite a federal court ruling invalidating the directive that prompted it.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Now I wake up every day and watch as a political movement solidifies its centuries-long efforts to convince a new generation that anyone who falls under the all-encompassing moniker of 'DEI' does not deserve equal protections.”

— Löki Tobin, Alaska State Senator (Anchorage Daily News)

“Effective leadership requires more than merely responding out of fear.”

— Löki Tobin, Alaska State Senator (Anchorage Daily News)

What’s next

The federal 'Dear Colleague' directive that prompted the University of Alaska's anti-inclusion policy has been invalidated, but the Board of Regents has stated it has no immediate plans to rescind or revise the policy. The outcome of this debate will likely have significant implications for the university system and the students it serves.

The takeaway

This debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in higher education highlights the ongoing tensions around issues of race, identity, and belonging in Alaska and across the country. The University of Alaska's leadership must choose to uphold the fundamental principles of public education and foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students.