Public university professors and students in Alabama appeal a ruling that upheld a 2024 law banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and prohibiting endorsement of what are labeled divisive concepts related to race, religion, and gender identity.

Counsel for the plaintiffs argues the law’s vague definitions of endorsement risk frivolous investigations and constrain scholarly presentations of vetted research.

The law, which took effect in October 2024, bars state-funded programs and curricula from endorsing these concepts and restricts instructors from prompting guilt or blame based on identity, while allowing objective discussion without endorsement.

The article recalls earlier complaints from five students about a campus interdisciplinary honors program curriculum clashing with the law, highlighting concerns about academic freedom under the statute.

Observers note that 2025 has seen affinity groups dissolve, professors placed on leave, Black student publications closed, and curriculums altered due to DEI-related policy changes.

Reported impacts in 2025 include threatened or shuttered student affinity groups, faculty leave, and changes to Black student publications and curricula at Alabama universities.

The case underscores tensions between DEI policies, academic freedom, and state oversight of curricular content in public higher education amid nationwide debates.

A U.S. District Judge previously upheld the law, ruling that academic freedom does not override curriculum decisions and that the law permits objective discussion of the concepts without endorsement.

The case sits within a broader national debate over DEI programs in higher education and related administrative actions during 2024–25.

The appeal follows a Justice Department mandate issued in July outlining similar required changes on public school campuses nationwide, reflecting a broader push against DEI programs.

Nationally, the mandate proposals have coincided with consequences such as shuttered student affinity groups, faculty departures, and curriculum changes in 2025.

Supporters cite a nationwide trend of DEI restrictions, with the July DOJ mandate cited as illustrating comparable changes in public schools.