“The purpose of this bill is to prevent compelled speech and indoctrination.”

Alabama state Sen. Will Barfoot regarding his legislation banning state funding of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools, public colleges and state agencies. Barfoot’s bill, which Gov. Kay Ivey signed on Wednesday, bans eight “divisive topics” that range from the idea that “any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior” to the idea that any “individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously.” Since 2023, 80 anti-DEI bills have been introduced in 28 states and Congress. Measures have been signed into law in eight states. (NPR — March 20, 2024)