North Carolina universities have been facing significant backlash following the repeal of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy earlier this year. Since the policy was officially removed from the North Carolina state government’s website in July, 59 positions have been cut across various universities in the state.
The DEI policy, which was put in place in 2017 under former Gov. Roy Cooper, aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity in North Carolina universities. It required schools to create action plans to improve diversity on campus and work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all students and faculty members.
However, in a controversial move, the policy was repealed by the North Carolina General Assembly in June of this year. This decision sparked outrage among many university administrators, faculty members, and students who saw the policy as a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and diverse educational environment.
In the wake of the repeal, universities across North Carolina have been forced to make difficult decisions regarding staffing and programming. According to a recent report, 59 positions have been cut since the DEI policy was repealed, including positions related to diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as other support staff roles.
These cuts have raised concerns among many in the education community about the potential impact on students and faculty members from underrepresented backgrounds. Without the DEI policy in place, there are fears that diversity and inclusivity efforts at North Carolina universities could be significantly set back, hindering progress towards creating a more equitable educational system.
Furthermore, some argue that the repeal of the DEI policy sends a harmful message to current and prospective students about the commitment of North Carolina universities to diversity and inclusion. Without clear policies in place to address these issues, it becomes challenging for universities to uphold their values of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
As North Carolina universities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the DEI policy repeal, it is clear that there are many challenges ahead. The cuts to positions and programs are just the beginning of what could be a long and difficult road towards rebuilding a culture of diversity and inclusion on campus. It remains to be seen what steps universities will take to address these issues and how they will work towards creating a more equitable educational environment for all students and faculty members.
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