Idaho bans college diversity programs despite protests [Video]

BOISE — The Idaho State Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to limit diversity, equity and inclusion policies at Idaho colleges.

Already, Idaho State University and Boise State University had closed or restructured equity programs on campus. School officials said Wednesday that they took those actions because of Idaho’s political climate.

“We felt like there was an opportunity for our institution to make changes that we could control,” Idaho State President Robert Wagner said. “To make changes that meant that individuals who care about students and are working very, very hard are not going to all of a sudden lose their jobs at the end of the legislative session.”

Boise State President Marlene Tromp told the board it “grieves” her that the work to support students has been “profoundly misunderstood and misconstrued.”

“Seeing laws enacted and enforced across the country prohibiting many kinds of student support efforts, and given our …