The Bill that Would Have Extended Restrictions on DEI to Private Employer's Training Programs

 On January 30, 2024, Governor Spencer Cox signed into law HB 261, which prohibits certain DEI “policies, procedures, practices, programs, or initiatives” in government officers and in the Utah public education system.

 

Introduced that same month was the House Bill, Employment Training Requirement Limitations (HB 111). In addition to amending the state law companion to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this bill would have prohibited employers from requiring, as a term of employment, (which includes hiring, advancement, promotion or demotion), employees or applicants to sign documents or attestations professing belief in specific concepts related to race and or other protected characteristics.   Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their protected characteristics--which means that having that specific employment requirement where an individual sign the document or attestation professing such beliefs would have “constituted" discrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin." 

 

The Compliance Department will continue to track developments that impact our entities' programs and approaches (lawfully) to training and related activities.

Source: Olgletree Deakins, reported on February 19, 2024.