Idaho Colleges Accused of Sidestepping New Anti-DEI Law

Watchdog group alleges universities are exploiting exemptions to mandate diversity courses

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:54am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the complex tensions surrounding DEI policies in higher education.A watchdog group's allegations of DEI course mandates at Idaho universities spark a debate over academic freedom and political ideology.Boise Today

A watchdog group has accused several Idaho universities of finding loopholes to sidestep a new state law aimed at preventing mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) courses unrelated to a student's field of study. The Goldwater Institute claims the universities are improperly using exemptions in the law to require DEI-related coursework in programs like social work, counseling, and psychology.

Why it matters

The Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act was designed to ensure students aren't forced to take DEI courses unless they are directly relevant to their major. The Goldwater Institute argues the universities' actions undermine the intent of the law and amount to 'political indoctrination' of students using taxpayer funds.

The details

The Goldwater Institute has sent a letter to Idaho's Attorney General demanding an investigation into exemptions granted to Boise State University, Idaho State University, the University of Idaho, and Lewis-Clark State College. The group claims a memo from the Idaho Board of Education misinterpreted the law, allowing broader exemptions than intended. For example, the University of Idaho's sociology program received an exemption for a course titled 'Introduction to Inequity and Justice', even though sociology is not an explicit race, ethnic, or gender studies program.

  • The Freedom of Inquiry in Higher Education Act went into effect in July 2026.
  • The Goldwater Institute sent its letter to the Idaho Attorney General in April 2026.

The players

Parker Jackson

A staff attorney for the Goldwater Institute, a public policy think tank.

Raul Labrador

The Attorney General of Idaho.

Idaho Board of Education

Issued a memo that the Goldwater Institute claims misinterpreted the new law, allowing for broader exemptions than intended.

Boise State University

One of the universities accused of sidestepping the new anti-DEI law.

Idaho State University

One of the universities accused of sidestepping the new anti-DEI law.

University of Idaho

One of the universities accused of sidestepping the new anti-DEI law.

Lewis-Clark State College

One of the universities accused of sidestepping the new anti-DEI law.

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What they’re saying

“The whole goal of this law is to make it so that no one is forced to take mandatory courses that indoctrinate students with these discriminatory ideologies as a condition of graduation in unrelated fields.”

— Parker Jackson, Staff Attorney, Goldwater Institute

“Well, that's kind of circular. They can't just avoid the mandate against these requirements by creating the requirements.”

— Parker Jackson, Staff Attorney, Goldwater Institute

“Taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for funding left-wing activism and indoctrination.”

— Parker Jackson, Staff Attorney, Goldwater Institute

What’s next

The Idaho Attorney General's office has stated it will cooperate with an investigation into the universities' exemptions, but could not comment further.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in higher education, and the tensions between academic freedom, student choice, and political ideology. The outcome of the Attorney General's investigation could have significant implications for how public universities in Idaho approach DEI requirements going forward.