Mississippi universities halt funding for student groups, citing DEI law

Some Mississippi universities have stopped giving money to student organizations for club activities due to uncertainty over a state law — on hold by a federal judge — that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools.

It’s one of the first widespread, tangible consequences of a law that attorneys say will have sweeping ramifications across the state’s education system.

A federal judge has blocked House Bill 1193 for the foreseeable future because he believes it may violate the First Amendment rights of students and teachers. The law will remain blocked until he issues a final ruling after a bench trial, something that will take months to complete.

The law — which prohibits any programming and curriculum related to diversity, equity and inclusion — includes an exemp