New UNC System policy leads to closing of DEI offices and 59 jobs eliminated
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South Building on UNC-Chapel Hill's campus. Photo: Eros Hoagland/Getty Images
The UNC System's 16 universities have collectively eliminated 59 jobs and reassigned 132 others to comply with a new policy that repealed diversity, equity and inclusion mandates across public universities, according to data released Wednesday by the UNC System.
Why it matters: Earlier this year, the UNC System's Board of Governors repealed its existing DEI policy, which dated back to 2019, and replaced it with one that seeks "institutional neutrality."
- Wednesday's data, for the first time, shows how each of the state's public campuses complied with the policy change.
Driving the news: The reports show that many of the system's DEI offices have been closed and that employees working in DEI have seen their job responsibilities change.
- In total, the schools reported reducing spending on DEI efforts by more than $17 million, with around $16.3 million being redirected to other "student success programs."
Between the lines: Diversity offices are often focused on making campus communities accessible and welcoming to students of color, LGBTQ+ students and students with disabilities, Axios' April Rubin reported.
- As of August, nearly 50 schools nationwide have closed diversity-focused offices or multicultural resource centers, Rubin reported, citing a Chronicle of Higher Education tracker.
Zoom in: UNC-Chapel Hill closed its office for diversity and inclusion and eliminated 20 positions. The decision resulted in a savings of nearly $5.4 million, the most of any university, according to the UNC System.
- Seven other universities eliminated their DEI offices, including Appalachian State, East Carolina, N.C. A&T, UNC Wilmington and UNC Charlotte, according to The News & Observer.
- N.C. State University's Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion was eliminated and replaced with an Office of Equal Opportunity.
- N.C. Central University eliminated the role of University Diversity Officer and created an Office of Student Development and Support focused on improving four-year graduation rates.
What they're saying: "Our plan is compliant with the new UNC System policy," UNC-Chapel Hill wrote in a statement. "It includes the dissolution of the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the reassignment of its personnel and programs to other divisions of the university that support the success, well-being and sense of community that help our students, staff and faculty thrive."
- "We have an unwavering commitment to provide a welcoming environment for all North Carolinians," it added.
A spokesperson for N.C. State said the school's changes enhance student success while complying with UNC System policy.
- "N.C. State remains committed to its land-grant mission of serving North Carolina through exceptional education, innovation, research and extension that improve the lives of its citizens," the spokesperson said in an email.