(Idaho State) The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved today three resolutions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology, Governance, and Freedom of Expression in higher education.
The resolutions align with the actions of Governor Brad Little, the Idaho Legislature, and existing Board policies. Board members emphasized to the institution presidents that Idaho’s public universities have an obligation to support every student, regardless of background or demographic.
“I believe our actions as a Board today are a strong signal to all Idaho students that our institutions are prepared to meet whatever needs they have when they walk through the door. I am looking forward to seeing our universities implement these resolutions while we continue working on the issue as a Board,” Board President Dr. Linda Clark said.
The Board heard from Boise State, Idaho State, the University of Idaho, and Lewis and Clark State College on actions being taken to implement the measures. All changes are expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. Each institution emphasized that they have been working diligently with students, staff, and faculty to maintain support services while ensuring every student has access to student success centers.
“I am proud of our institutions for stepping up and making meaningful changes to their institutions through these resolutions,” said Joshua Whitworth, Director of the Office of the State Board of Education. “By working closely with our institutions and the Governor’s Office, the Board has made a commitment that every student has the support that they need to succeed.”
Here are links to all three resolutions posted on the State Board of Education website: https://boardofed.idaho.gov/board-policies-rules/board-policies/resolutions/
The Board also heard updates from Superintendent Critchfield on her legislative priorities and efforts of progress in Idaho’s K-3 literacy levels, followed by a robust discussion on the Board’s K-20 strategic planning and how Idaho institutions can better align themselves for the future of education.
Here are other actions from today’s State Board meeting:
- Approved a request by Mountain View School District Board of Trustees in Idaho County to divide the district into two separate districts. With State Board approval, the measure now goes before Idaho County voters for consideration in May.
- Approved requests by Boise State University and the University of Idaho to issue tax exempt revenue bonds to finance Boise State’s north end zone project at Albertsons Stadium and the U of I’s project to build new student housing on the Moscow campus.
- Approved Idaho State University’s Campus Master Plan update and its request to sell the historic Magnuson Alumni House located near the Pocatello campus. ISU recently opened the new ICCU Bengal Alumni Center, which replaced the Magnuson House.
- Approved new contracts for Boise State’s athletic director, head softball coach and head women’s basketball coach.
- Approved Boise State University’s request to enter into litigation with Utah State and Colorado State University’s against the Mountain West Athletic Conference, related to conference realignment.
- The Board also approved a University of Idaho request to create PhD program in Cybersecurity.
The Idaho State Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled on February 19-20, 2025 at Boise State University.