As the Utah State Board of Education prepares to debate a controversial resolution targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools, Utah Education Association President Renée Pinkney is speaking out in firm opposition, urging board members to reject what she calls a “harmful mischaracterization” of public education efforts.
In formal public comments submitted to the Board ahead of Thursday’s meeting, Pinkney criticized the resolution as a political distraction from the real needs of Utah students. The proposal seeks to align with 2024’s HB261, a law that restricts DEI efforts in Utah’s public institutions. It claims that diversity initiatives are rooted in Soviet-style communism and “identity politics.” However, the resolution does not cite any specific examples of DEI programming still active in Utah schools.
“My first instinct is to not dignify the resolution directing removal of DEI in Utah Schools with a response,” Pinkney wrote. “However, as a veteran social studies teacher, constituent, voter, and taxpayer, I find it absurd that our precious resources — time, people, and money — are being spent on this resolution instead of having a productive conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our public schools.”
Pinkney’s remarks take direct aim at the underlying rhetoric of the resolution, which was introduced by State Board member Christina Boggess and supported by board members Cole Kelly, Joann Brinton, Rod Hall, and Emily Green. The resolution frames DEI as a form of “identity politics,” claiming that such efforts promote a framework of oppressor versus oppressed, and asserting that government resources should serve all people equally without considering group identity.
Pinkney pushed back on that narrative. “The assertion that DEI is rooted in Soviet or Marxist ideology is a harmful mischaracterization that distracts from the real issue at hand, our moral and professional obligation to create an equitable education system that serves all students fairly,” she wrote.
She also warned of the long-term harm such a resolution could have on students and educators alike. “It would discourage efforts to support students who face real and persistent inequities, chill efforts to recruit and retain a diverse and highly qualified educator workforce, and send a message to students and families that their identities and experiences are not valued in our schools.”
Her call to action was clear: “We urge the Board to reject this resolution and instead focus on policies that strengthen, not weaken, Utah’s public schools. Our students and educators deserve better.”
The resolution arrives amid a growing national backlash against DEI programming, with some political figures arguing that the discrimination these initiatives seek to address is no longer as prevalent. Still, the UEA maintains that dismantling DEI will only deepen existing inequities and undermine the inclusive mission of public education.
Pinkney’s full statement reads as follows:
Dear Members of the Utah State Board of Education,
My first instinct is to not dignify the resolution directing removal of DEI in Utah Schools with a response. However, as a veteran social studies teacher, constituent, voter, and taxpayer, I find it absurd that our precious resources, time, people, and money, are being spent on this resolution instead of having a productive conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our public schools.The assertion that DEI is rooted in Soviet or Marxist ideology is a harmful mischaracterization that distracts from the real issue at hand, our moral and professional obligation to create an equitable education system that serves all students fairly.
This resolution, if adopted, would have far-reaching negative consequences. It would discourage efforts to support students who face real and persistent inequities, chill efforts to recruit and retain a diverse and highly qualified educator workforce, and send a message to students and families that their identities and experiences are not valued in our schools. Utah’s educators are committed to fostering a learning environment that upholds the promise of public education for every child.
We urge the Board to reject this resolution and instead focus on policies that strengthen, not weaken, Utah’s public schools. Our students and educators deserve better.
Sincerely,
Renée Pinkney
President, Utah Education Association
