Arizona State University Faces Lawsuit Over Mandatory DEI Training

A professor sues ASU, claiming the required diversity training violates state law and free speech rights.

Owen Anderson, an ASU professor, has filed a lawsuit against Arizona State University over its mandatory DEI course, arguing it violates Arizona law and compels speech.
The training, titled 'ASU Inclusive Communities,' is said to promote ideas such as 'white supremacy is normalized in society' and requires faculty to pass a test on these concepts.
The Goldwater Institute has filed the complaint on behalf of Anderson, contending the training discriminates based on race, ethnicity, and sex.
ASU defends the training as promoting an environment of respect for all backgrounds, aiming to support a diverse student body.
The lawsuit has sparked debate over the use of taxpayer funds for DEI training and the impact on free speech at public universities.