Facing Criticism, Weber State Says It Will Be "More Nuanced"

"The goal, Durham wrote, "is to uphold the letter and spirit of the law, but also to ensure we remain fiercely committed to free speech, academic freedom, and fostering an environment where everyone at WSU feels welcome to express their thoughts, engage different viewpoints, and learn from one another." She said that "we are learning from early and well-intentioned efforts at working within this new framework." The university didn't provide an interview or answer multiple written questions Tuesday."

"Richard Price, a political science professor, told Inside Higher Ed in an email, "As far as I know, faculty played no role in the creation of the existing approach and I doubt faculty will play a role in this process." The Weber State controversies illustrate how universities have differed in implementing the anti-DEI laws that many red states have passed, and in navigating the Trump administration's various anti-DEI orders and guidance that impact the whole nation."

After multiple censorship controversies, Weber State University announced a revised approach to enforcing Utah's 2024 anti-diversity, equity and inclusion law. Interim president Leslie Durham said the university, with help from the Utah Commissioner of Higher Education, is reviewing existing guidance and will revise it where appropriate to be more nuanced about where and how learning happens on campus. The stated goal is to uphold the letter and spirit of the law while remaining committed to free speech, academic freedom, and a welcoming environment. The university did not answer multiple written questions. A faculty member said faculty played no role in creating the current approach. These controversies reflect varied university responses to anti-DEI laws and federal anti-DEI orders.

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