Alabama bans DEI in schools and says bathrooms must be designated by ‘biological sex’

Bill signed by governor Kay Ivey and lambasted by civil rights advocates affects public schools, universities and state agencies

The Alabama governor Kay Ivey has signed a bill into law in effect banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across public schools, universities and state agencies, the latest move in a wave of a Republican-led legislation that aims to restrict diversity efforts.

The law, known as SB129, imposes restrictions around what it calls eight divisive concepts", including assigning fault, blame or bias" to any race, religion, gender or color, or discussions of whether slavery and racism are aligned with the founding principles of the United States". It authorizes state agencies to discipline or terminate employees or contractors who violate this act".