Weber State University Censors Censorship Conference Days Before Event

Less than 72 hours before Weber State University in Utah was scheduled to host its 27th Annual Unity Conference, titled “Redacted: Navigating the Complexities of Censorship,” presenters received an email instructing them not to discuss identity politics—or face removal from the official program agenda.

In the email, then-Vice President of Student Access and Success Jessica Oyler stated that the event was not a “real” academic conference. Under Utah’s HB 261, statements and materials that “take a side” on legislation or policies would not be protected by academic freedom, according to the university’s interpretation of the law.

Utah’s HB 261 is one of several state laws enacted in recent years to discourage public colleges and schools from using Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks in admission and employment decisions. Similar laws have been implemented in states including Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Iowa. While many of these laws target funding, restrictions on classroom instruction are becoming increasingly common.

Critics, including free speech advocates and civil rights groups, argue that such laws force institutions to prioritize funding over academic integrity and reputation. Weber State’s censorship conference serves as a case in point. 404 Media obtained documents via a Freedom of Information Act request, revealing the university’s rationale, presenters’ responses, and subsequent developments.

Why Weber State Claimed the Conference Was Not “Real”

Oyler’s email to presenters explained that the conference was not considered a “real” academic event because it was funded by the university’s student affairs division. Under HB 261 and the university’s interpretation of the law, academic freedom protections do not apply to students, staff, or researchers when programs are not funded through faculty affairs.

Researcher’s Proposal Rejected Over DEI References

Sarah Herrmann, an associate professor of psychological science at Weber State, was encouraged by conference organizers to submit a proposal based on research she conducted with a student. Their study examined the effects of legislation like HB 261 on student campus culture, particularly how the closure of cultural centers would impact the student experience.

The proposal was accepted, with Herrmann’s student planning to present their findings. However, days before the conference, the student received a request from an organizer to remove all mentions of “DEI”—both as an acronym and spelled out. Herrmann shared the request with 404 Media, stating:

“You can imagine students who were part of the Women's Center or cultural centers seeing their minor canceled. It conveys a message about who belongs and who doesn't.”

Herrmann’s student was among the first to officially withdraw from the conference, signaling an institutional reluctance to support student scholarship on these topics.