UAB Professor Proposed Relabeling DEI Curriculum
A 2025 dissertation suggested using new terminology to comply with Alabama state law.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should public universities use alternative language to continue curriculum restricted by state law?
In a 2025 dissertation, University of Alabama at Birmingham professor Margaret A. Enlow proposed renaming diversity, equity, and inclusion curriculum. The shift was suggested to ensure that DEI concepts continue to be taught following the enactment of state legislation.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to navigate the legislative landscape in Alabama by maintaining training while conforming to new state mandates. The author identifies the law as a significant bottleneck for traditional DEI instruction in public universities.
The study analyzed student engagement through two 75-minute lectures. The research findings were published as part of a 3-part dissertation.
The players
Margaret A. Enlow
She is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who authored the 2025 study.
Kay Ivey
She is the Governor of Alabama who signed the legislation restricting public funding for DEI programs.
The details
The study evaluated student knowledge and awareness through pre- and post-lecture surveys conducted in public health courses at UAB. Enlow suggested replacing established DEI terminology with terms like accessibility, engagement, and justice to comply with the state restrictions.
Timeline
March 2024: Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 129 into law.
October 2024: Restrictions on DEI funding and discussion took effect.
2025: Margaret A. Enlow published the dissertation.
Roadmap
This proposal reflects a broader trend of academic adaptation in response to shifting legislative priorities regarding campus discourse. It demonstrates how institutional staff seek to preserve educational frameworks while strictly adhering to state-mandated administrative changes.
Students and faculty at Alabama public universities may see shifts in course nomenclature and instructional design as departments adjust to the new law. These changes are intended to ensure the continuation of specific learning objectives without violating state funding restrictions.
The takeaway
The study suggests that academic institutions can adapt to restrictive environments by focusing on the underlying concepts of DEI under different names. This approach highlights an ongoing tension between legislative mandates and the desire to maintain specific educational training models.
Further reading
Learn more about local policy shifts in the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1819 News.
Live Poll
Should public universities use alternative language to continue curriculum restricted by state law?
