This photo shows the Utah State Capitol, Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Salt Lake City. Utah lawmakers are entering the final day of what has been a relatively quiet 45-day legislative session. By constitutional rule the Legislature must end its session Thursday, which often means the stroke of midnight. Lawmakers are wrapping up negotiations on a number of bills, including proposals to change the state's liquor and gun laws, and putting the finishing touches on a roughly $13 billion state budget. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
January 29, 2024 /Local News

Legislature Passes Controversial Diversity Bill

(Salt Lake City, UT) – Utah lawmakers are finally in accord about university diversity programs. On Friday lawmakers passed a bill that offers an overhaul of diversity, equity and inclusion programming at the state’s public universities. It took a week and a half of debate but the Utah House on Friday approved the Senate’s changes to House Bill 261. The measure now heads to Governor Spencer Cox for his signature. Utah Rep. Katy Hall who is the bill’s chief sponsor says this passage offers everyone a chance to come together on behalf of students. Senate sponsor Republican Senator Keith Grover from Utah County says the bill is about “equality for all.” Those in favor say the bill levels the playing field while opponents are worried that students of color and others who benefited from diversity and inclusion initiatives will be hurt.

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