Jun 16, 2023 - Education

University of Arkansas cuts diversity division, reassigns personnel

Alex Golden

The University of Arkansas will dissolve its Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and spread its resources across other departments, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

What's happening: The school is getting ahead of possible new rules surrounding diversity programs at public colleges. In January, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an executive order that "prohibits indoctrination and critical race theory in schools."

"If you can preemptively do something that's better for the campus, anyway, then it behooves you to do that now," faculty Senate chair Stephen Caldwell told the newspaper.

Context: The move comes as educational institutions in Arkansas and beyond face scrutiny over issues involving race, gender and sexuality.

Details: The DEI division's personnel and resources will be incorporated into student success, student affairs, human resources, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, and university advancement.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance will be "formally aligned" with human resources.

What's next: The restructuring will take effect Aug. 1 and no layoffs are planned.

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University of Arkansas cuts diversity division, reassigns personnel

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