University of Alabama System Shutting Down DEI Offices to Comply With New Law
“Taking effect Oct. 1, it states DEI concepts can still be discussed in the classroom, but cannot be compelled.”
It’s amazing how quickly this happened in so many states once people knew the facts about DEI policies.
The College Fix reports:
University of Alabama system campuses shut down DEI offices to comply with new law
University of Alabama system campuses are shutting down their diversity, equity and inclusion divisions to comply with a new law that bans public schools and universities in the state from funding DEI programs.
The law, SB 129, was signed in March by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, who said at the time “I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses – or wherever else for that matter – to go under the acronym of DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe.”
Taking effect Oct. 1, it states DEI concepts can still be discussed in the classroom, but cannot be compelled. It points out that nothing prevents students or faculty organizations “from hosting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs or discussions that may involve divisive concepts, provided that no state funds are used to sponsor these programs.”
AL.com reported all thee UA system campuses are shutting down their DEI offices and renaming them; no employees will be fired, instead they will be reassigned or directed to refocus their efforts on other priorities:
In Tuscaloosa, the [new] Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success has been opened and will be led by Christine Taylor, who formerly led the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
And the University of Alabama at Birmingham is erecting a new Office of Access and Engagement has been erected, led by Paulette Dilworth, who formerly led the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The University of Alabama at Huntsville, similarly, is shifting efforts toward recruiting students and engaging current students.
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Comments
DEI/CRT is such a fraud.
Shut it down!
Roll Tide
Like CRT and all the gay stuff, it will become a part of every curriculum
Keeping the same people under a new department. While it may look like a win on paper, you have to eliminate anyone and everyone associated with the old programs. They will get around the law somehow and it will be a forever game of whack a mole.
anyone who believes this to be true
also believe that fjb is really a decent man being forced to act like a communist by others
racism in favor of poc is here and its real and like alllll racism will destroy the country
So they say. “Reassigned” just means they have no formal DEI position, not that DEI has actually been reduced or eliminated.
Student recruitment is a good thing.
Working with students on campus to succeed in society can also be valuable.
The problem is that existing employees with experience at recruitment or student counseling may have been trained to operate under a DEI mandate. Time will tell whether passing a state law and renaming the department can get the specific employees to change the approach that they bring to their job. For example, can they operate in a way that does not overtly discriminate on the basis of race. Can they stop preaching “cancel culture” and respect the free speech rights of students?
I am willing to give the former DEI staff the benefit of the doubt. The true believers in DEI will be unhappy and ultimately leave. It will be interesting to see if the turnover in staff increases after the new law takes effect.
you got to be kidding???
and
“the benefit of the doubt”
give yourself some time to mature and rethink this pov
dei= destruction of civility as its tribal based in its nature
Let’s see, change the name, maybe tweak the job description, don’t “fire” anyone and let them stay in their old positions. Right. How dense do you think the Alabama legislature is, anyway?
When Texas and Florida abolished their DEI elements, lots of folks were let go. At UT I believe it was over 50 DEI faculty and staff were taken off the rolls, and the savings were redistributed.
Were there any savings at Alabama? Probably increased costs in repainting doors to reflect the new name and printing new letterhead.
Welcome to the new job, same as the old job.