Students gathered outside the Hill Student Center this afternoon to protest against Alabama Senate Bill 129. The bill, which passed the state Senate on Thursday, states it would “prohibit certain public entities, including state agencies, local boards of education, and public institutions of higher education, from maintaining a diversity, equity, and inclusion office or department or sponsoring any diversity, equity, and inclusion program or program that advocates for a divisive concept.” 

The protest, organized by Esperanza UAB, Gender & Sexuality Union at UAB and Young Democratic Socialists of America at UAB, featured several student speakers. 

“If this bill is passed, the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as the Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs office, will be threatened,” said Miguel Luna, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) coordinator for USGA. “This isn’t just about institutions. It’s about the students that rely on these resources.”

“Our communities and our identities cannot continue to be political pieces for our legislators,” said Raimi Liebel, financial director for Gender & Sexuality Union at UAB.

“I urge our legislators and community leaders to reject Senate Bill 129 and to affirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Alabama,” said Gala Romero, president of the Spanish and Latino Student Association. 

SB129 awaits voting at the state House of Representatives.