UAB Professor Proposed Renaming DEI Course Curriculum
A 2025 study explored how relabeling curriculum could help educators maintain diversity training under state law.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Administration
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In a 2025 dissertation, a University of Alabama at Birmingham professor proposed using alternative terminology for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. The study suggested that shifting language could allow classroom instruction to continue following the enactment of Alabama Senate Bill 129.
Why it matters
The proposal addressed how educators can navigate legislative restrictions on public funding and curriculum content for DEI programs. By shifting terminology, the author aimed to maintain training objectives while adhering to state requirements signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.
The study analyzed student outcomes across two 75-minute lectures conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The proposal suggests replacing core DEI terms with concepts like accessibility, engagement, and justice to align with Senate Bill 129 restrictions.
The players
Margaret A. Enlow
An assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who researches public health education and curriculum strategy.
Kay Ivey
The Governor of Alabama who signed legislation restricting public funding for diversity programs in higher education.
The details
The research used pre- and post-lecture surveys to track student knowledge and awareness after testing the modified curriculum. The author designed this approach to bypass legislative bottlenecks that have restricted the discussion of DEI in public university classrooms since the law took effect in October 2024. This strategy seeks to preserve the instructional focus of previous training by updating the language used in course materials.
Timeline
March 2024: Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 129 into law.
October 2024: Restrictions on public DEI funding and curriculum took effect.
2025: The PhD dissertation outlining the curriculum proposal was published.
The Home Front
This proposal reflects a shift in how public institutions manage academic content following the enactment of Senate Bill 129. It highlights the broader trend of universities adjusting administrative language to navigate new state-level legislative restrictions.
Families with students in the Alabama public university system should monitor updated course syllabi to understand how curriculum changes may impact their coursework. You can track how specific departments adjust their instructional language to remain in compliance with state regulations.
The takeaway
The study illustrates a method for institutions to preserve educational content through linguistic adaptation. Students and parents should monitor university communications for updates on course offerings and terminology as departments implement new curriculum standards.
Further reading
Learn more about local university policy updates in Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1819 News.
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Should public universities use alternative language to continue curriculum restricted by state law?
