Birmingham, Alabama, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Faculty and students at the University of Alabama are voicing concerns over SB129, a law that limits funding for diversity programs and alters curricula. The law has led to legal action from professors citing First Amendment violations and has negatively impacted student funding and academic freedom. A federal judge is reviewing the law’s constitutionality ahead of the new school year, with a ruling expected soon.
Birmingham, Alabama – Professors and students at the University of Alabama have come forward to testify about the negative impacts of a new law, known as SB129, aimed at curbing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They argue that this legislation not only threatens funding for academic programs but also significantly alters the curriculum, thereby impeding academic freedom. A federal judge is currently reviewing the constitutionality of the law ahead of the upcoming school year.
SB129 prohibits public schools and universities from utilizing state funds for curricula that endorse or require agreement with eight designated “divisive concepts,” covering sensitive topics related to race, religion, and gender identity. Educators are instructed against promoting feelings of guilt associated with these identities while still being allowed to guide “objective” discussions on such issues.
This situation has escalated as Dana Patton, a political science professor, and six other faculty members filed a lawsuit against the University of Alabama and Republican Governor Kay Ivey in January. The suit contends that the law violates the First Amendment rights of educators by limiting their freedom of speech and disproportionately impacting Black students. Since the law’s enactment, Patton has received student complaints claiming her honors program promotes divisive concepts like socialism and systemic racism, allegedly influenced by a powerful vested interest in the state Capitol.
Patton has reported feeling threatened when discussions regarding resolutions to the complaints arose, particularly concerning the potential impact on university funding. She has since been forced to revise her course materials to avoid potential repercussions under the law. Many other professors support her observations, indicating they too have altered their curricula, which has led to the cancellation of certain classes and assignments.
The law has also affected undergraduate students, including rising senior Sydney Testman, who lost her scholarship linked to her position at a now-defunct Social Justice Advocacy Council. Testimony from students pointed out that organizations focusing on social justice, like the Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ center, have faced funding uncertainties due to the new restrictions.
Federal Judge R. David Proctor, who is overseeing the case, has emphasized that the ruling will address First Amendment protections concerning classroom speech and evaluate the law’s consequences for both students and faculty members. Several educators, including Cassandra Simon from the School of Social Work, reported experiencing threats of disciplinary action should they fail to cancel class projects centered around social injustice.
Confusion surrounding the vague language of the law has prompted both faculty and students to express concerns about its implications for academic freedom. As the school year approaches, Proctor aims to issue a decision on the law’s implementation before classes resume in August, providing much-needed clarity on the situation.
Summary of the Law’s Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibitions | Public institutions cannot use state funds for curricula that endorse or compel agreement with eight “divisive concepts.” |
| Impact on Curriculum | Educators must avoid promoting feelings of guilt related to identities, affecting how sensitive topics are taught. |
| Legal Action | A lawsuit has been filed against the law for violating First Amendment rights of educators. |
| Student Experiences | Students have reported loss of scholarships and funding for organizations linked to social justice efforts. |
| Judicial Review | A federal judge is considering the law’s constitutionality, with a ruling expected before the school year begins. |
FAQ Section
What is SB129?
SB129 is a new law in Alabama that restricts public schools and universities from using state funds for curricula related to eight “divisive concepts” concerning race, religion, and gender identity.
Why are professors and students testifying against this law?
They argue that the law threatens academic freedom, alters curricula, and jeopardizes funding for educational programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What are the implications of the law for educators?
Educators are restricted in their ability to discuss or promote certain concepts fearfully altering their teaching methodologies to comply with the law.
What effects has the law had on students?
Students have experienced loss of scholarships, funding for student organizations, and opportunities to engage in social justice work due to the constraints imposed by the law.
When can we expect a ruling on the law’s constitutionality?
A federal judge has indicated that a decision may be issued before the academic year resumes in August, which aims to clarify the implementation of the law.
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Additional Resources
- Real Clear Education: Faculty Form Group to Defend DEI at U of Alabama
- Alabama Reflector: University of Alabama System Professors Say State DEI Ban Hurt Classes
- AP News: DEI Lawsuit at University of Alabama
- AL.com: Ahead of Trump Visit, University of Alabama Faculty Blast Anti-DEI Actions
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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