Utah’s higher education leaders are on edge as they anticipate the next move by the state Legislature following the recent overhaul of campus DEI programs. University of Utah President Taylor Randall expressed deep concern among academics about the potential targeting of general education curriculum at public colleges and universities.
During a meeting of the Utah Board of Higher Education, school presidents voiced their worries about the Legislature’s increasing control over higher education. Interim commissioner Geoff Landward confirmed that lawmakers are closely monitoring the situation.
A bill introduced late in the legislative session aimed to establish an independent School of General Education at the University of Utah, focusing on western civilization and the rise of Christianity. While the bill ultimately failed, it raised concerns about legislative interference in college curriculum.
Randall emphasized that the U.’s general education curriculum already covers much of what the bill proposed, including a focus on viewpoint diversity. However, legislators are pushing for a more unified educational experience for all students, raising concerns about potential indoctrination.
Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez challenged the notion that general education promotes minority views, emphasizing the classic nature of the curriculum. Despite these objections, the fear remains that the Legislature will continue to push for more control over higher education curriculum.
As colleges and universities navigate these uncertain waters, they are working to comply with the new DEI legislation while bracing for potential future restrictions on curriculum. The impact of these changes on students and faculty remains a source of anxiety and uncertainty within the higher education community.