Alabama college students and professors hoping to block SB 129

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A group of Alabama college students and professors is trying to block a bill they say is hurting education in the state.

The students and professors went in front of a federal judge in Birmingham, making their argument as to why that judge should issue a temporary injunction on SB129.

If granted, the injunction would allow universities to resume DEI programs that they have had to stop.

“Everyone seems to be airing on the side of caution, and that truly is affecting my academic freedom and the discourse we have in class,” said UAB student Sydney Testman.

Testman is one of the student plaintiffs in a court case that seeks to place a temporary injunction on SB 129. The bill limits how public universities can use state funds for DEI and other programs labeled as “divisive concepts.”

She says the bill’s impact on her college experience has been noticeable, and she wants to see it gone.

“I feel like college isn’t about learning what’s just in the textbooks, buts it’s about learning what’s in the world and different perspectives and learning from people. College is the place for ideas to spread, and ideas just aren’t spreading post SB 129,” said Testman.

Former state representative Paul DeMarco says SB 129 is necessary on Alabama campuses and reflects the state doing what it has the right to.

“You have to remember this is regarding public institutions, and so that is what is behind this legislation. If you go back and read the legislation, it’s about these public institutions, these taxpayer-funded institutions, how they can move forward,” Demarco said.

If the judge rules in favor of the students and teachers, the temporary injunction will allow DEI programs to return temporarily while other ongoing litigation about the bill plays out in court.