The Arizona House is set to vote on whether to eliminate state funds for universities and colleges that offer courses on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The administration’s research funding and DEI cuts present an existential threat to regional public universities like Southern Illinois University, the economic backbone of the conservative rural region it serves.

There are currently more than 30 bills across the U.S. targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public colleges.

While top brass in conservative circles aim to curtail DEI, college students are optimistic about diversity, according to a new survey.