Utah governor celebrates Black History Month two days after banning DEI programs

What they're saying:

Details: Cox on Tuesday signed a bill that dismantles diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public colleges and government agencies.

• H.B. 261 turns higher ed DEI programs into "student success" offices that include and support "all students."
• It also prohibits DEI workshops for students and government employees.

Zoom in: Critics were especially incensed by Cox's statement that "[w]e … remain committed to improving access to opportunity."

• "'Improving access to opportunity' … he says right after signing the anti-DEI bill. 🙄," Instagrammer Julie Braam posted Thursday.

Context: DEI programs in higher ed are designed to close college attainment gaps among historically underrepresented groups, including people of color, LGBTQ+ students, people with disabilities and veterans.

• Opponents of the bill have argued the measure would harm these students, who see lower college attainment rates than their white peers, per the National Center for Education Statistics.

Flashback: About a month ago, Cox described DEI hiring practices as "bordering on evil."