Idaho Universities Student Testimonials Highlight the Importance of Equity Programs
As Idaho Universities and Idaho’s State Board of Education moves closer to curtailing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on campuses, University of Idaho (U of I) students, led by doctoral student Nick Koenig, have been amplifying the voices of those impacted. Koenig and others have collected 66 testimonials from students, sharing how offices such as the Women’s Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Black/African American Cultural Center have been critical in supporting their academic journeys and personal well-being.
One student credited the Women’s Center for helping them through resurfacing trauma, describing the staff’s compassion as a lifeline. Another student expressed gratitude for the Multicultural Affairs office and Black/African American Cultural Center, crediting them for fostering a sense of belonging that allowed them to thrive academically. “These offices were the one place I could be my authentic self,” they shared.
Koenig, who relocated to Idaho in 2022 because of the LGBTQA Office, explained how DEI programs provide vital support. “My story is just one of numerous stories of these kinds of support services and how they operate day to day,” Koenig said. These testimonials were forwarded to the State Board and a legislative task force, but the momentum to limit DEI programs continues.
Policy Shifts Spark Closures and Realignments at Universities
The proposed State Board resolution would eliminate dedicated DEI offices but carve out exceptions for federally mandated programs. Institutions like Boise State University (BSU) and Idaho State University or Idaho Universities (ISU) have already preemptively scaled back their DEI initiatives, anticipating legislative and State Board decisions.
BSU recently closed its Gender Equity Center and Student Equity Center, reallocating their $700,000 combined budget to the newly launched Student Connections and Success Center. The center is designed to serve diverse student populations, including first-generation and low-income students, under one umbrella. “It’s new territory for us,” said BSU Vice President Jeremiah Shinn, acknowledging the challenges of meeting students’ varied needs with reduced resources.
Similarly, ISU announced the closure of its Diversity Resource Center and Gender Resource Center in November, redirecting its services to the Bengal Student Success Center. ISU President Robert Wagner framed the changes as both an alignment with state guidelines and an effort to consolidate support programs. “This shift allows us to provide more streamlined, impactful support,” Wagner stated.
Debate Intensifies Over the Future of Inclusion
While BSU and Idaho Universities have adjusted to the changing landscape, U of I’s Office of Equity and Diversity remains operational, though its future is uncertain. The office oversees numerous programs with an annual budget exceeding $1.3 million, funded primarily by student fees. U of I leaders have expressed a willingness to adapt but are awaiting the State Board’s decision before making substantial changes. “We want to align,” spokeswoman Jodi Walker said, emphasizing the need for a unified approach.
The proposed DEI restrictions have sparked a backlash among students, faculty, and alumni. The U of I Faculty Senate passed a resolution supporting equity and inclusion programs, and grassroots advocacy continues to grow. Koenig, who has been vocal about the issue, worries that marginalized groups will bear the brunt of the changes. “It sucks that it’s always the most marginalized that are thrown out first to save the bottom line,” they remarked.
For many students, the stakes are high. A significant portion of the testimonials revealed that eliminating DEI programs could lead to declining enrollment and reduced alumni support. “If the university isn’t willing to protect its students or academia, why even exist as an institution?” one student questioned.
As the State Board prepares to vote on the resolution next week, the debate over DEI programs underscores a broader conversation about the role of universities in fostering inclusivity and support for diverse student populations.
