University of Georgia will ban DEI across the board, teach the Constitution and maintain neutrality

The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents has recommended a number of new and revised policies for its institutions, such as a commitment to institutional neutrality, a ban on DEI tactics, and mandatory education consistent with America’s founding documents.

The University System of Georgia (USG) consists of 26 public colleges and universities of Georgia, as well as the Archives of Georgia and the Georgia Public Library Service.

“U.S. government agencies should remain neutral on social and political issues unless such issue is directly related to the agency’s core mission,” the board’s proposed changes said.

“Ideological tests, affirmations and oaths, including diversity statements,” will be prohibited in admissions processes and decisions, hiring processes and decisions, and institutional orientation and training for both students and employees.

“No applicant for admission may or may not be required to make an affirmative statement or expression of political beliefs, affiliations, ideals or principles as a condition of admission,” the new policy states.

In addition, the US government will hire employees based on the individual’s qualifications and abilities.

The “basis and determining factor” for employment will be “that the individual possesses the essential knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the role and is considered capable of successfully performing the essential functions, responsibilities and duties of the position.” the position for which the person is being considered.”

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, civics education in school will require, among other things, the study of founding American documents.

U.S. Government students will study the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Articles of Confederation, the Federalist Papers, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from Birmingham Jail, as well as the Georgia Constitution and Bill of Rights.

When reached for comment, the Board of Regents told The Center Square that “these proposed upgrades strengthen the U.S. Government’s academic communities.”

The recommended policies create an environment on campus “where people are free to share their thoughts and learn from each other through objective inquiry and inquiry” and “reflect a strong commitment to defend freedom, provide quality higher education, and promote student success,” the University said. said the council.

The council told The Center Square it is proposing to strengthen “requirements for civics teaching” to include “substantive primary sources” because of higher education’s duty to students.

Colleges and universities “must prepare (students) to become productive members of society and to understand the ideals of freedom and democracy that make America so exceptional,” the board said.

Regarding the move away from DEI, the board explained that “equal opportunity and merit-based decisions are fundamental values ​​of the U.S. government.”

“The proposed changes would, among other things, make it clear that admission of students and hiring of staff should be based on a person’s qualifications and not on his or her beliefs,” the council said.

The Board of Regents also said it wants to “ensure that (its) institutions remain neutral on social and political issues while modeling what that looks like to promote diversity of viewpoints, creating a campus culture in which students and faculty engage in civic dialogue, as well as an open exchange of views.” ideas are the norm.”

The US Government Board of Regents recently called on the NCAA to ban men who identify as transgender from participating in women’s sports under NAIA rules, The Center Square previously reported.