UA Professor Alleges Political Pressure Over ‘Divisive Concepts’ Law Amid Legal Challenge
BIRMINGHAM, AL — June 27, 2025 A University of Alabama professor testified in federal court that she faced pressure from a state lawmaker to comply with Alabama's new "divisive concepts" law or risk losing funding for her program.
Professor Dana Patton, who leads an interdisciplinary honors program focused on social justice and community service, said that after the law took effect in October 2024, she was informed by university officials that five student complaints had been lodged against her program, alleging it promoted socialism and divisive perspectives. Patton testified that a university administrator indicated a "powerful person" in the state Capitol was behind the complaints. Later, at a football game, Patton was introduced to State Rep. Danny Garrett, chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, who told her that legislators involved in the complaints were "tenacious" and "not going to let this go," suggesting a need for compromise. Patton interpreted this as a threat, given Garrett's influence over university funding. In response, she removed some course materials and stopped posting lecture slides online, fearing misinterpretation.
The testimony is part of a lawsuit filed by six professors and students challenging the constitutionality of the law, which prohibits public education institutions from using state funds to promote certain concepts related to race, gender identity, and other social issues. The plaintiffs argue the law violates First Amendment rights and disproportionately affects Black students. University officials contend that no faculty have been terminated or formally disciplined and that alternative funding has been secured for some programs. A federal judge is expected to rule on the case before the upcoming school year.