University of Idaho: Policies Restrict Faculty Instruction on Abortion

In the wake of enactment of an Idaho law restricting access to abortion, the University of Idaho released guidance requiring faculty to “not promote or advocate in favor of abortion” unless done with “instructor neutrality.” FIRE wrote the university on September 27, 2022 demanding that it withdraw the guidance because it unlawfully restricts faculty’s ability to engage students on the issue of abortion from differing perspectives. FIRE wrote again on October 7 urging specific steps to support faculty in advance of what the university indicated would be forthcoming detailed guidance containing its interpretation of the law and recommendations for faculty. On September 15, 2023, the Idaho Attorney General issued an opinion stating that the law did not reach instruction in higher education.