Birmingham, Alabama – Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama, took to Facebook earlier this year to express his concerns over Alabama’s proposed anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bill. In his post, Mayor Woodfin stated that if the bill became law, he would consider organizing Black parents and athletes to seek educational opportunities outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are valued. On March 20, Alabama Governor Kate Ivey signed SB 129 into law, effectively banning colleges in the state from implementing DEI programs and instruction on “divisive concepts.” Although it remains to be seen if Mayor Woodfin will follow through on his threat, his statement raises an intriguing possibility – what if colleges in states without anti-DEI legislation started actively recruiting talented student-athletes from DEI-hostile states, using a “Go to college where you are wanted” pitch?
DEI work extends far beyond racial concerns, despite the hyperfocus its critics often place on race. Many public universities, particularly in the South, rely on revenue generated by student-athletes to support their operations. As a result, the prospect of a boycott by student-athletes, regardless of their race, is not one that administrations and donors can afford to ignore. While those opposed to DEI may dismiss such a boycott as having little impact, they fail to recognize the documented economic benefits that college sports bring to many states, including Alabama. Furthermore, these critics demonstrate a lack of understanding regarding how DEI operates within higher education.
It is important to understand three key facts about DEI. First, there is no one-size-fits-all national framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as each community and university is unique. Diversity initiatives at Harvard, for instance, differ significantly from those at universities in Kansas, Oregon, or Alabama. Second, while race often takes center stage in debates about DEI, it encompasses much more. DEI efforts also address gender, sex, disability, and other characteristics that influence an individual’s experience on a college campus. By accommodating diverse populations, colleges aim to create a welcoming environment for low-income, first-generation, homeless, veteran, parenting, and students with religious or health-related barriers. However, the national discourse predominantly fixates on race, often overlooking these other crucial aspects.
Lastly, it is worth noting that DEI encompasses both civil rights compliance and outreach to marginalized communities. While Alabama’s recently signed bill specifically targets outreach programs that foster a sense of belonging among students, all colleges in the state must still abide by civil rights laws. Understanding the historical context of this work is crucial. American colleges and universities grapple with their institutional memory, recognizing the exclusionary practices that plagued higher education in the past. From barring Black students from enrollment in Southern colleges to the documented history of Jewish exclusion at Ivy League institutions, the legacy of exclusion and marginalization extends to women, queer students, Muslim students, and more.
The struggle for equality and inclusion has long been embedded in the fabric of American higher education, as schools seek to transform themselves from bastions of exclusion to beacons of diversity and acceptance. Institutions like the University of Alabama have worked hard to redefine their image and embrace the diverse population of Alabama. This transformation has fostered immense goodwill, allowing individuals like Mayor Woodfin and many other Black Alabamians to proudly identify as fans of the university. Today, colleges in the South – from large SEC schools to small regional institutions – boast some of the highest levels of diversity in the country. This progress is deserving of celebration.
Sadly, the state’s decision to enact the anti-DEI law threatens to undermine the progress that has been made. The individuals responsible for this legislation fail to recognize the potential consequences, including the possibility that Black athletes might choose to attend colleges in other states. They overlook the fact that the same types of students who were once barred from these institutions only a few generations ago now have the power to close the door on Alabama. The state risks undoing years of goodwill and progress in the name of an ideological culture war.
In the United States, profound racial, ethnic, and class segregation persists in society. Therefore, a fundamental task of universities is to build a sense of community among the diverse student body they serve. Alabama officials fail to acknowledge how historically white institutions, particularly in the South, have utilized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over the years to rebrand themselves. Institutions that were once racially segregated, such as the University of Alabama, played a significant role in the civil rights movement through integration efforts. By embracing diversity, these colleges have created new and more inclusive images of themselves, providing hope for progress in Alabama.
In conclusion, the passage of Alabama’s anti-DEI bill threatens the progress made by colleges and universities in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion on their campuses. The potential consequences, including the recruitment of talented student-athletes by colleges in other states, highlight the importance of understanding the significant economic impact of college sports. DEI work extends beyond race and includes efforts to create a more inclusive environment for a range of diverse student populations. It is vital to recognize the historical context and the strides made by historically white institutions in embracing diversity. Ultimately, the state of Alabama risks undermining years of progress and goodwill in its pursuit of an uncompromising and misguided culture war.