USBE cites communism in new resolution to remove DEI

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is considering a resolution that mandates the removal of remaining DEI initiatives and calls on local school districts to do the same, citing communist influences.

The resolution, listed in the board’s meeting agenda for Thursday, asserts that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) are still present within “schools, trainings, USBE, and auxiliary items,” despite laws that were passed by the legislature for their removal.

It goes on to say that DEI programs are “attempting to achieve the Soviet Communist goal of actual equality” and using “ethnic minorities” to advance communism in society.

“DEI at its core is 1920s Soviet Union policy for using ethnic minorities to advance the installation of Communism,” the resolution reads.

If passed, the measure would direct state staff and personnel to “immediately disband any and all (DEI) practices” and rescind any documents, training, programs, curriculum, and policies relating to DEI. In addition, the resolution would call for local districts to do the same, expecting compliance “immediately,” but no later than June 30.

“This resolution is [not] controversial,” Christina Boggess (R – District 8), member of the Utah State School Board, told ABC4.com. “There is an overt obfuscation and blatant disregard for [H.B. 261] among many within the USBE and our Local Education Agencies. After waiting more than five years for the agency to respond to the people’s voice and ultimately comply with the code, this resolution would assert that the leaders elected by the people take this issue and agency non-compliance seriously.”

The resolution comes after the Trump Administration gave schools a deadline to eliminate DEI programs. On Jan 20, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to terminate DEI programs across the federal government. The Department of Education then issued new guidelines three days later in accordance with Trump’s order.

“Our public schools have put time and resources implementing and following the requirements of H.B. 261. This resolution is unnecessary, creates misleading narratives, fuels culture wars, and is, frankly, embarrassing,” Sarah Reale (D – District 5), member of the Utah State Board of Education, told ABC4.com in a statement. “It is unfortunate this is how we will be spending our limited Board work time, when we could be working to support our students, teachers, and families in Utah.”

ABC4.com reached out to other school board members who raised concerns over the resolution’s language and the impact it would have on special needs students.

“Many of my constituents are worried about how this resolution will affect special education students. Although special education law does not use the term ‘inclusion,’ many parents see it as related to their child’s educational experience in a general environment with their peers,” LeAnn Wood (R – District 4), member of USBE, told ABC4.com.

Wood continued: “Raising a child with special needs has its own joys and challenges, and as a Board, we should not add to their concerns with a non-binding resolution that brings more confusion than improvement. In schools where statute related to H.B. 261 is not being complied with, we should target those areas specifically.”

ABC4.com reached out to all 15 members of the board, and four have replied so far. Out of those who responded, three members indicated they would not be voting for the resolution, one indicated that they would.

The board is set to debate and vote on this measure on April 3 during the regularly scheduled board meeting.