Auburn University announced it will dissolve its Office of Inclusion and Diversity by August 15th.
The announcement follows a new law signed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey “banning DEI programs and certain teachings,” WRBL-TV reports.
Colleges in Alabama have until October 1st to comply with the law.
Auburn University will dissolve its Office of Inclusion and Diversity by Aug. 15, officials announced Monday.
— AL.com (@aldotcom) July 30, 2024
“We remain resolute in our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and to support all students, with particular emphasis on providing access and opportunity,” the university said in a statement obtained by WRBL-TV.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the First Amendment is celebrated and that all students, faculty and staff are welcomed, valued, respected and engaged,” it added.
#Auburn announced the following in response to Alabama Act 2024-34, related to DEI offices, programs, and activities. It was included in an email to faculty and professional staff. pic.twitter.com/rHjnHsZM7M
— John Carvalho (@John_P_Carvalho) July 29, 2024
WRBL-TV reports:
The office employed 14 full-time employees and three part-time graduate assistants. Staff will be reassigned to other departments, Auburn officials said, taking on new roles in student recruitment, admissions, or support, reporting to various offices.
Founded in 2016, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity aimed to improve retention and recruitment of underrepresented groups. Auburn reported spending about $5.6 million on DEI efforts, with $1.8 million for the diversity office, according to a 2022 legislative inquiry.
It is unclear what services will remain after August 15. Officials are working with stakeholders to ensure compliance with the new law while advancing Auburn’s mission.
Auburn University to dissolve DEI office in August https://t.co/8s63hC1xbL
— WBRC FOX6 News (@WBRCnews) July 30, 2024
DEI dies at Auburn! @realchrisrufo pic.twitter.com/clmBTCnu5z
— Red Clay Ray (@RedClayRay1) July 29, 2024
* Image from Red Clay Ray X Post *
From The Auburn Plainsman:
In the email, Provost Vini Nathan, Vice President for Business and Administration Kelli Shomaker and Vice President for Student Affairs Bobby Woodard described the upcoming closure of the DEI office.
The university’s announcement comes almost a week after the University of Alabama system announced they would close the DEI offices at the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama in Huntsville. Unlike the UA system, Auburn University has not announced plans to create programs with similar goals.
The university created multiple groups of students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni to “ensure Auburn advances its mission while being consistent with applicable law,” the email explained. During an April University Senate meeting, President Christopher B. Roberts and Nathan discussed how Auburn was working with others on how to comply with and navigate SB 129. The groups worked together to be aligned with the law’s requirements and Auburn’s internal vision for students and faculty.
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the anti-DEI bill on March 20, 2024, after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in favor of the act on Feb. 22. The same day of Ivey’s signing, Roberts and Nathan issued a joint statement to students and staff that the university would evaluate the bill and follow the law’s requirements.
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