A diversity policy is being repealed in North Carolina’s public university system.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Board of Governors’ University Governance Committee had approved “a policy that repeals the university system’s existing policy and regulation on diversity and inclusion.”
This would impact all 17 public universities in the state and lead to the elimination of diversity programs and likely end DEI job roles, although the policy allows universities to “implement programming or services designed to have a positive effect on the academic performance, retention, or graduation of students from different backgrounds,” The News & Observer reports.
Meanwhile, as previously reported, students remained greatly concerned, including Alexander Denza, an organizer of the Southern Student Action Coalition and the UNC-Chapel Hill group TransparUNCy.
In the most recent announcement, it appears the 24-member University of North Carolina System Board of Governors officially added the repeal to its agenda and approved a vote to revoke the five-year DEI policy, with two members voting against the action, according to The Telegraph. Changes will go into effect starting the next school year.
Despite the repeal, the outlet notes the policy will not alter classroom instruction, university research, student organizations, and cultural centers. However, DEI staff will likely be required to change their titles and responsibilities to fulfill policy guidelines, with further instructions set to be released in the summer.
Funding that was designated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices will now be allocated towards “student success initiatives.”
“There’s no reason why we can’t, as university trustees, signal that this is the direction the university needs to take. I feel good about it,” said Dave Boliek, the board’s budget chair.
