A series of free workshops across Alaska aimed at training doulas has raised questions about how the state-funded group overtly favors certain demographic groups over others.
The flyer, seen in locations in Anchorage this week, advertises “Birth Doula Support Skills Workshops” scheduled throughout Alaska. These hands-on sessions offer training in prenatal support, postpartum care, and birth-related assistance. Lunch is included, and the events are free to participants.
But it’s a specific note on the flyer that has drawn attention: “Priority is given to BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and rural applicants — but all are welcome to apply.” BIPOC means anyone but white. LGBTQIA2S means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, indeterminate, asexual and two-spirit, a reference to Native people with gender identity issues.
The workshops are sponsored by the State of Alaska Division of Public Health and the University of Alaska Anchorage, both taxpayer-funded organizations.
The stated prioritization of certain racial, sexual orientation, and geographic categories amounts to viewpoint and identity-based discrimination, potentially excluding white, heterosexual, and urban residents from fair consideration.
Under the second Trump Administration, this kind of identity prioritization could threaten federal funding to both UAA and the State’s public health division.
Federal anti-discrimination laws bar publicly funded programs from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, or sexual orientation — even under the guise of diversity efforts. The president has signed executive orders ending such discrimination.
Also listed as sponsors are Due North Support Services and the Alaska Birth Collective. Due North is owned by Dalecia Young, who supported the effort to recall Governor Mike Dunleavy in 2019 by signing the recall petition. Her company was administratively dissolved by the Department of Commerce in 2023 for failing to meet filing requirements, and only reinstated earlier this year.
