College Professors in California File Lawsuit Against State's DEI Requirements

Six College Professors in California Sue State Over DEIA Requirements

Six college professors in California are suing the state over diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) requirements that they claim force them to adopt the government's perspective on politically charged topics. The professors, who teach at three community colleges in Fresno, argue that these requirements violate their constitutional rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The lawsuit was filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) in federal court.

Reedley College professor Bill Blanken is questioning how to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into his chemistry classroom. He specifically raises concerns about the "anti-racist" perspective on topics such as the atomic mass of boron. Blanken is being sued for his belief that DEI principles should not be integrated into his chemistry classes, arguing that it would be disruptive and pedagogically unsound.

A group of professors from Madera Community College and Clovis Community College in California are filing a lawsuit against California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian, the State Board of Governors, and State Center Community College. The professors involved in the suit are James Druley, David Richardson, Linda de Morales, Loren Palsgaard, and Michael Stannard. The specific details of the lawsuit have not been provided.

Professors at California community colleges are expressing concerns over potential disciplinary action or termination if they do not comply with the state's DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) requirements. These guidelines require professors to have an understanding of the various social identities and forms of oppression faced by individuals from different racial, ethnic, and marginalized groups. Additionally, professors are expected to teach from a collectivism perspective and through a social justice lens. A lawsuit has been filed against these requirements, raising questions about academic freedom and the potential consequences for non-compliance.

The article discusses new regulations that have been criticized as a "totalitarian triple-whammy" by attorney Daniel Ortner from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). According to Ortner, these regulations force professors to teach and promote a specific political viewpoint that they may not agree with, impose confusing guidelines, and threaten punishment for crossing an unclear line. The article suggests that these regulations are seen as a threat to academic freedom.

The California guidelines on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) have been criticized by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) for promoting certain ideological beliefs. According to FIRE, the guidelines define individuals as either anti-racist or racist, stating that those who claim to be "not racist" are denying the existence of racial inequities and problems.

According to a glossary, the concept of "merit" is associated with "whiteness" and is used to protect white privilege. The glossary argues that standards, such as biased standardized tests, are used to maintain this privilege and deny opportunities to racial minorities. It suggests that the idea of merit implies that white people are considered more qualified and deserving, but are hindered by race-conscious policies.