Update on response to state legislation on DEI
I heard the status of the state law limiting DEI-related activities on-campus has changed. Can you provide an update on the university’s response?
Following the passage of House Bill 2 as part of the state budget in July, to comply with restrictions on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-related spending and activities. These included updates to programs and how they were described across the university.
Recently, the federal district court in New Hampshire issued an injunction temporarily blocking the enforcement of many of the higher education related DEI provisions in the law. The injunction is not a final decision, but it does mean that the State is prohibited from enforcing those provisions until a final decision is reached. Such a decision may take several months.
In the interim, the injunction means that no additional compliance changes to our programs and initiatives are required at this time. However, units should maintain any changes already implemented in response to the law and avoid reverting to prior practices, unless those changes created significant operational challenges. Please keep in mind that:
If a program continues to meet its goals under its revised structure, returning to its prior form is likely unnecessary in any event.
If a current program or website language is clear and accurate, further revisions are not needed at this stage.
If a final court decision upholds the law as passed, units may need to re-implement changes. Restoring prior versions now could create additional workload and uncertainty later.
UNH will continue to follow the litigation closely and share updates as they become available. If you have questions or would like additional guidance, please contact Nadine Petty, Associate Vice President for Community, Civil Rights and Compliance, at nadine.petty@unh.edu.
