Psychology

The Impact of Anti-DEI Legislation on LGBQ + and Heterosexual Faculty in Higher Education

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Introduction: Anti-DEI laws related to higher education are increasingly being proposed, and passed, across the US. Limited research has examined how faculty who teach and do research on LGBTQ+-and other diversity-related issues are impacted by such legislation.
Methods: This exploratory mixed-methods study used survey data from 163 faculty (51% LGBQ+) in different state legislative contexts (legislation passed, legislation proposed, no legislation) to examine impacts on teaching, research, well-being, and desire to move or change jobs.
Results: Compared to faculty in states without anti-DEI legislation, faculty in states that had passed or introduced legislation were more likely to report both impacts on and changes to teaching, negative mental and physical health, and a desire to move. Compared to heterosexual faculty, LGBQ + faculty were more likely to report teaching and research impacts, negative mental health, and job seeking. LGBQ + faculty in states that introduced legislation were more likely to report negative mental health impacts than heterosexual faculty in those states. Qualitative data highlighted how faculty in states that passed legislation were struggling to adapt to the new demands imposed by their institutions. Those in states that had proposed legislation were cautious but continued to teach DEI topics. Narrative responses underscored the role of sexual/gender identity, race, and tenure status in shaping participants’ sense of vulnerability versus protection.
Conclusions: Shifts in the legislative climate have implications for the professional and personal lives of faculty in higher education, especially LGBTQ+ faculty.
Policy Implications: Higher education institutions can allocate resources to support their marginalized faculty, including LGBTQ+ faculty, amid the added labor they shoulder in socio-politically tumultuous times. Action can be taken by supporting organizations dedicated to supporting and protecting faculty, and pushing other organizations with power, including policy organizations, to understand the impacts of anti-DEI legislation.

Publication Title

Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Publication Date

12-2025

First Page

1

Last Page

18

ISSN

1553-6610

DOI

10.1007/s13178-025-01250-0

Keywords

faculty, higher education, diversity, inclusion, sexuality, LGBTQ legislation

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