Chambana Sun

In some ways, state Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) seems to think the new proof-of-engagement requirements in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the University of Illinois are a solution in search of a problem.

“I think instructors at our public universities should be committed to treating students in their classrooms with dignity and respect and it is reasonable to expect students to adhere to certain standards of conduct as well,” Halbrook told the Chambana Sun. “Unless there are problems, there is no need to infuse college classrooms with woke ideology. The focus should be on teaching students the courses they signed up to take.” 

Top school officials recently informed faculty members the “promotion and tenure process for tenure-stream faculty members” will serve to “reflect the evolving strategic priorities and current practices” of the university.

Though school officials contend professors interested or seeking tenure “not be penalized if they are not doing DEI work,” the school’s primary source for information on its tenure policy says faculty will “still need to prepare the DEI statement so that they can think about what they are already doing around DEI and what they will do in the future.”

Halbrook doesn’t see the logic.

“Promotions for instructors should be based on merits and their ability to teach - not how devoted they are to woke ideology,” he added. “I would like to see instructors at our universities be able to teach their students without having to swear allegiance to left-wing ideology.”

The veteran lawmaker is urging involvement for change. 

“It is important for people to understand what is happening on our college campuses and get involved to try to change it,” he said.