UNC Asheville Fights Removal of DEI Programs – Unrest on Campus
TL/DR –
UNC Asheville students, faculty, and staff have protested a new UNC System Board of Governors Committee policy that could remove diversity, equity, and inclusion positions across the system by next September. The policy, if approved, would require universities to remove staff and offices on campuses that explicitly support DEI efforts, reallocate funds from DEI efforts to other initiatives, and show compliance to “institutional neutrality” annually. A survey at the protest showed that 83 students would not have enrolled in a UNC system school if it did not have DEI initiatives in place.
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UNC Asheville Protests Against UNC System Board’s New Policy
Yesterday, UNC Asheville students, faculty, and staff protested a new UNC System Board of Governors Committee policy, which could eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles across the system by next September.
Student Opinions on DEI Reduction
Student Government Association Vice President, Liv Barefoot, stated that students are outraged about the possible removal of DEI programs, which significantly aid the UNC-system and marginalized students.
Policy Details and Approval Process
The Equality Within the University of North Carolina policy, if approved on May 23, would demand the removal of DEI-supportive staff and offices. It would redirect DEI funding towards student success initiatives and necessitate annual compliance to “institutional neutrality.”
Committee Meeting Observations
The policy proposal was briefly discussed in the committee meeting, with no questions asked. The UNC Association of Student Governments president, Estefany Gordillo-Rivas, expressed surprise, noting the lack of typical committee conversations leading up to these proposals.
American Trend of Anti-DEI Bills
In 2023, over 80 anti-DEI bills similar to this policy were introduced in the U.S. In a survey at the UNC Asheville protest, 83 students stated they would not have chosen a UNC system school without DEI initiatives.
Impact on UNC Asheville
Carlton Smith, director of UNC Asheville’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, expressed uncertainty about the policy’s potential impacts. Faculty members highlighted the importance of DEI policies for student recruitment and retention. Kim Eggett, director of UNC Asheville’s Center for Diversity Education, also shared her concerns about the policy’s impact.
Coursework Not Affected
UNC System Media Relations Director, Andy Wallace, clarified that the proposed policy would not affect course offerings, classroom material, or research. However, many courses depend on DEI offices’ support, particularly those focused on diversity.
Policy’s Relation to Current Events
The proposed policy aligns with the over 80 anti-DEI bills introduced in 2023, as reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Other states like Florida and Texas have experienced DEI funding cuts and job losses, while the UNC System plans to redirect funds to “student success” initiatives.
Looking Forward
Toby King, a UNC system faculty assembly representative, is collecting feedback to present to the UNC System faculty assembly. Additionally, a student feedback survey is currently being distributed on campus.
The full policy is available here.
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