A nearly five-year-old policy on diversity, equity and inclusion at North Carolina’s public universities has been rescinded following a vote by the UNC System Board of Governors, the News & Observer reported.
The repeal of the diversity policy was passed by the UNC System’s 24-member board last week by a 22-2 vote. The policy change removes 2019 regulations that established various DEI positions, such as the UNC System Diversity & Inclusion Council.
It was established in 2020 with the implementation of UNC Policy 300.8.5, which required diversity and inclusion services and officers at all 17 institutions of the UNC System.
The policy manual section, which was adopted in 2019, required each UNC System institution to appoint a designated UNC System Office liaison for diversity and inclusion and a D&I officer and to participate on a UNC System D&I council.
The DEI Council consists of members from 18 UNC system universities, including NC State University, UNC Charlotte, NC A&T State University and North Carolina Central University.
This repeal could potentially dismantle some DEI positions already in the UNC system.
UNC System President Peter Hans said neutrality in political controversies is the role of public universities; But students and employees may still encounter ‘competing ideas’, says Hans.
“No one can speak on behalf of the entire university community on controversial issues, because the university has no single opinion on anything,” says Hans.
Eight universities, including NC State University, UNC Charlotte, NC A&T State University and NC Central University, currently have extensive DEI programs and initiatives.
DEI at colleges and universities in the Charlotte area
Charlotte-area institutions have also developed plans outlining their diversity goals. At Queens University, the school describes a university commitment to “attract, recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff of diverse identities who are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Queens University,” according to its website the University.
Davidson College says it “strives to maintain a culture of belonging for staff, faculty and students from diverse cultures, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, national origins, socio-economic backgrounds and capabilities. make no distinction,”
Johnson C. Smith University’s DEI policy states that it does not discriminate on any basis during the admissions process, and the DEI position at the university is solely for the purpose of improving the student experience and the university.
“DEI promotes cross- and cross-cultural communication, critical inclusivity and understanding of educational equity among faculty, staff and students,” said Johnson C. Smith President Valerie Kinloch in an emailed statement to The Charlotte Observer in response to UNC System card action.
UNC Charlotte links its inclusivity to its mission as a university and academic institution. The school says: “We believe that the well-being of our university depends on diversity, equity and inclusion,” according to a statement on the school’s diversity and inclusion website.
UNC Charlotte offers programs such as observation of Hispanic Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Native American Heritage Month and an inclusive excellence fair. These grants provide funding for events, activities and projects that “advance equity and promote inclusivity,” the school said.
DEI policies in NC state schools
North Carolina Central University implements training, committees, and student leadership to engage diverse voices at the university. To highlight inclusivity, the university held a Native American Law Students Powwow and a Homecoming Drag Show.
NC Central also operates multicultural centers on campus.
Elizabeth City State University recognizes the value that inclusion brings to its campus.
The school says it “values inclusivity, and our goal is to ensure that our campus community is diverse and inclusive for all,” according to its website.
Elizabeth City State offers training and awareness campaigns on military student experiences, gender, sexuality and sexual violence as part of the university’s DEI initiative.
Fayetteville State University values diversity because of its large number of minority students. The school considers diversity, equity and inclusion as one of its 10 core values and has an 80% minority student body, according to the online Fayetteville State University Leadership page.
“Our campus celebrates inclusivity and is proud to have a vibrant community of minority students who bring unique perspectives,” the university said.
North Carolina A&T says it is “committed to increasing diversity and increasing inclusivity by promoting and cultivating a rich exchange of ideas and broad cultural awareness.”
The university is committed to these commitments through its “Preeminence 2030: North Carolina A&T Blueprint.” The plan aims to achieve five goals outlined by the university by 2030. One proposed goal is to “promote a more diverse and inclusive campus community by promoting cultural awareness, collegiality, and respect for diverse people and cultures.”
