BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Three of the biggest universities in Alabama will be closing their offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, more popularly known as DEI, following a law passed effectively banning the programs in public schools and universities.
On Tuesday, the University of Alabama System announced that the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the the University of Alabama in Huntsville would be closing their DEI programs and likeminded initiatives. The closings come on the heels of SB129, which sought to ban DEI programs in public institutions, as well as programs acknowledging "divisive concepts," specifically that "any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior." The bill also called for the firing of teachers or employees who taught or promoted DEI policies.
The bill, which also banned transgender people from using restrooms at public universities based on their gender identity, came in the wake of a years-long national push by legislators in primarily red states to do away with DEI policies in universities, with critics arguing that DEI promoted unfair hiring practices and discrimination based on race or gender. However, others have argued that efforts to ban DEI programs were attempts to curb political correctness, as well as thwart free speech.
Following the passage of the bill, Jacksonville State University was the first to shutter its DEI program while Auburn University has not publicly declared what direction it will take with its DEI program.
“We are extremely disappointed to learn that the University of Alabama system is closing its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices just weeks before students are expected to return to campus,” JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist, executive director of the ACLU of Alabama said in a written statement. “It wasn’t that long ago when the university was lauded nationwide for its proactive efforts to help students feel more welcomed after peaceful demonstrations and videos by student-athletes, coaches, and administrators drew attention to the struggles most students of color face. The university’s decision is inconsistent with the desires of their student body as UA students were among the most vocal leading opposition to SB129. We will continue to collaborate with our partners in Tuscaloosa and across the state to determine how we can best support students and educators.”
Taking its place at UA, a new department--the Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success-- will be headed by Vice President Christine Taylor, who previously served as associate provost for the university's DEI program.
“Acknowledging that different individuals may have different barriers to success in higher education, this division supports opportunities for students across campus, regardless of differences of backgrounds or opinions,” Taylor said in a statement. “It will also support programming that engages free speech, wide-ranging thought and discussion, and academic freedom for all with efforts focused on educational purposes and priorities.”
Likewise, UAB will also start another program called the Office of Access and Engagement that will be led by Vice President for Access and Engagement Paulette Dilworth and will work to "address barriers associated with higher education access, recruitment, retention and success through outreach and engagement, leadership and co-curricular activities, service learning and academic success programs."
“This is a new office with a new, exciting function, focusing on what we can do to promote success for everyone in the UAB community,” UAB President Ray L. Watts said in a statement. “Our goal with the new Office of Access and Engagement is to make sure everyone has access to available programs and resources they need to be successful here at UAB and beyond. This purposeful focus will have lasting benefits for the UAB community, Birmingham, Alabama, and beyond.”
The University of Alabama in Huntsville's new office--the Office of Access, Connections, and Engagement--will work to further recruiting efforts, as well as develop retention and outreach strategies for students.
"UAH attracts a wide array of students from across the United States in rural and urban communities, first-generation college attendees, military, veterans, adult learners and more," a statement from UAH read. "UAH’s top priority is to recruit and retain students of all backgrounds and to provide open and equal access to resources and opportunities to achieve success."
The law will take effect on Oct. 1.