Fall colors on campus October 30, 2024 (weberstate)
- A university conference about censorship at Weber State ended up being restricted and effectively derailed after administrators told presenters to censor terms like “DEI” to comply with Utah’s anti-DEI law (HB 261).
- The university argued the event wasn’t “academic” (because of how it was funded), meaning it didn’t qualify for protections that would allow freer discussion under the law.
- Multiple presenters withdrew rather than alter their research language, and others reported being asked to soften or change politically sensitive wording, even in titles, highlighting pressure to self-censor.
- The situation reflects a broader trend where anti-DEI legislation is influencing academic speech, encouraging self-censorship, and limiting what can be discussed in university settings.
Original Source: 404 Media