A crucial policy repeal vote on Wednesday has put the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion staff positions in North Carolina’s public university system at risk. The decision by a five-person committee has raised concerns about the fate of these essential roles.
The University of North Carolina Board of Governors, which is responsible for overseeing 17 schools, saw a swift decision by the Committee on University Governance to reverse and replace a policy on DEI. The committee voted in a matter of minutes, and now the full board of 24 members will vote on the issue again next month. If approved, the repeal will go into effect immediately.
If the policy is fully repealed, the UNC system may follow in the footsteps of other major universities by dismantling its diversity offices. One such example is the University of Florida in Gainesville, which recently announced through a memo that it would be scrapping its office and reallocating its funding towards faculty recruitment efforts.
In 2024, Texas universities had to make significant reductions in their diversity and inclusion staff due to a state ban that was signed into law the previous year. Similarly, the state higher education board in Kansas was scheduled to discuss a ban on diversity initiatives in the hiring process and student admissions on Wednesday.
Republican bill proposals seeking to limit diversity and inclusion programs in several public institutions, such as universities, have been introduced in at least 20 states.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are principles set forth by the American Psychological Association to ensure fair treatment and full participation of all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. However, these principles have sparked debate among conservatives who claim that DEI programs promote discrimination.
The News & Observer of Raleigh first reported the proposed policy change, which would affect a diversity, equity, and inclusion regulation that was implemented in 2019. This regulation outlines the responsibilities of different DEI positions, including the system office diversity and inclusion liaison and diversity officers throughout the university system. The policy also establishes a diversity and inclusion council comprising representatives from each university.
As part of the policy, the officers are tasked with supporting the chancellor in implementing diversity policy and programming, as well as conducting training for students and staff.
According to Andrew Tripp, the senior vice president for the UNC System Office’s legal affairs team, the proposed change will serve as a reaffirmation of the university’s dedication to non-discrimination and institutional neutrality.
The replacement policy suggests that the outlined responsibilities of DEI officers and liaisons may be eliminated. However, other inclusion efforts, such as tracking diversity metrics and providing reports to university boards, will still continue, according to the new policy.
UNC-Chapel Hill, the flagship campus of the university system, will assess the policy change and collaborate with the university system if it is implemented, according to spokesperson Kevin Best. The campus, known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, houses an office dedicated to promoting these values, which is staffed by a team of twelve individuals. Best conveyed this information in an email statement.
“As the Board of Governors highlighted, the University of North Carolina has always prioritized equality of opportunity in education and employment, considering it a fundamental value in serving our diverse and progressive state,” stated Best. “In line with this mission, UNC-Chapel Hill remains committed to embracing individuals from all backgrounds, with their unique experiences and perspectives, who choose to be a part of our community to learn, work, and thrive.”
After the diversity policy was repealed without any questions or discussion, the governance committee immediately entered into a closed session, as stated in the agenda. It is important to note that closed sessions are not subject to public record, as per state statutes.
Former UNC System President Tom Ross, who served from 2011 to 2016, expressed his concerns about the efforts to dissolve university diversity initiatives. In a joint statement with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, Ross stated that such efforts are a disservice to students and only serve to create controversy and volatility. Instead, Ross believes that universities should embrace and celebrate diversity.
In criticizing the opposition to diversity in public universities, Governor Cooper emphasized the failure of Republican legislative and university leaders to fulfill their responsibility of safeguarding students and supporting the recruitment of exceptional scientists, researchers, and innovators who drive our economy forward.
The new policy, according to the Carolina Partnership for Reform, has the potential to significantly eliminate DEI bureaucracies.
The upcoming meeting of the UNC Board of Governors is set to take place on May 22-23 in Raleigh. The board members are elected to four-year terms by the state Senate and House of Representatives, both of which have been under Republican control since 2011.
Republican House Speaker Tim Moore has revealed that fellow Republicans have shown interest in addressing anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) legislation in the upcoming session starting next Wednesday. Moore stated that the legislature might consider allowing university boards to review their diversity policies before introducing any bills.
Moore mentioned that the project is currently in the early stages of discussion.
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