Several universities in the United States, including those in Alabama, Missouri, and Iowa, are closing their diversity, equity, and inclusion offices prior to the start of the fall semester. This comes as a response to laws that prohibit their ideology, prompting more schools to take action.
On Monday evening, Auburn University revealed its plan to dissolve its DEI office by August 15th. This decision came after the University of Alabama system announced last week that it would be closing DEI offices at all three of its schools.
In response to the bill signed by Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) in March, Alabama schools have made changes to their policies. The bill prohibits school events and programs that require specific racial or sexual criteria for participation, as well as any form of discrimination based on these factors. Additionally, it prohibits teaching that traits such as a strong work ethic or meritocracy are racist or sexist. These requirements apply to all public schools in Alabama, who must comply by October 1st.
Auburn University has not yet made any official announcement regarding the establishment of offices with comparable goals as a DEI office. However, the University of Alabama system has taken a different approach. They have appointed Dr. Christine Taylor to lead the newly formed Division of Opportunities, Connections, and Success after serving as the vice president and associate provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Many schools throughout the nation that are confronted with legislative bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have taken comparable actions. They have relocated staff members and given new names to departments that will still promote DEI principles in the university’s functioning.
On Tuesday, the University of Missouri revealed their decision to shut down their DEI division. This news comes after the school’s DEI Vice Chancellor, Maurice Gipson, announced his departure from the institution in August.
On Tuesday, Mizzou President Mun Choi made an announcement during a press conference detailing the reorganization of the office. Choi stated that during the past two years, 13 pieces of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) legislation were introduced in the Missouri Legislature. However, he also noted that the proactive responses from the office played a significant role in averting the passage of these bills. These responses included eliminating diversity hiring statements, ending race-conscious admissions and scholarships, and ensuring that inclusion encompasses all.
Choi expressed his gratitude to Gipson for his service last week. He also mentioned that they would be discussing ways to maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school while also addressing political pressure to remove the ideology. It was emphasized that no employees would be terminated.
Iowa State University recently made a decision to shut down its DEI offices, based on suggestions from the Board of Regents and state lawmakers. The university eliminated a total of five positions, out of which three were already unoccupied.
As per the board’s directives, DEI offices were shut down and restructured, leading to their closure. These directives were also passed by the state legislature, which imposed penalties for any violations. The legislation prohibited the existence of DEI offices, employment of DEI-specific personnel, and spending on DEI, except for instances where it is mandatory for accreditation or by law.
