Politics & Elections

The legislation attempts to address what Republicans say is a long-standing attack on free expression in higher education. Critics say it would make it hard to protect students from hate speech.

A spokesman for Governor Glenn Youngkin invoked concerns about “core curriculum mandates that are a thinly veiled attempt to incorporate the progressive left’s groupthink.” Two universities’ diversity education initiatives may be in peril.

So far this year, at least five state legislatures have passed bills seeking to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. This year’s batch may seep more into the classroom.

Boards in Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan and Wisconsin, have faced shake-ups and threats of removal recently amid culture war clashes and self-inflicted controversies.

Legislation that’s near passage in Arizona would create a “grade challenge department” for public universities. It could force professors to change students’ marks.