University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte recently announced three office closures as part of a major shift in its institutional policies.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Identity, Equity and Engagement, and Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion have been disbanded in response to UNC System Board of Governors’ decision in May to repeal its previous DEI policy.
The new policy, “Equality Within the University of North Carolina,” mandates that all UNC System institutions adhere to principles of institutional neutrality, prohibiting the promotion of political or social concepts. Specifically, it bans the establishment or maintenance of offices dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion at any institution within the UNC System. All institutions are required to certify their compliance with this policy by September 1, 2024.
In the transition, UNC Charlotte reassigned 11 employees affected by the closures to new roles within the university, assuring that no layoffs occurred as a result of the changes. Funding previously allocated to DEI initiatives will be redirected towards student success programs, focusing on enhancing graduation rates, degree efficiency, and mental health support.
While the new policy prohibits specific DEI offices, it does not restrict faculty from exercising discretion in research and course content, nor does it prevent students from engaging in political and social advocacy.
In a joint statement on August 8, UNC Charlotte Provost Jennifer Troyer and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kevin Bailey said, “UNC Charlotte remains committed to upholding its core values of fairness, academic excellence and student success. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual, no matter their background, is welcomed and supported,” emphasizing that the university will ensure compliance with the new policy while continuing to support students’ needs through other channels.
UNC Charlotte is also reviewing its website, employee training, and programming to ensure compliance with the UNC system’s new requirement for institutional neutrality.
The overhaul of DEI programming at UNC Charlotte comes amid broader national debates over such initiatives, with some critics arguing that DEI policies are discriminatory and infringe on free speech, while supporters view them as essential for addressing historical inequities.
