The University of North Carolina (UNC) System’s Board of Governors repealed and replaced its 2019 policy on diversity and inclusion. This decision may lead to the reduction of diversity-related positions within the state’s public colleges and universities. The new policy emphasizes equality and mandates that schools report on workforce reductions and spending related to diversity initiatives.
A controversial move, the vote sparked protests from students who are concerned about the potential elimination of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies and jobs. Several students were arrested and charged with trespassing, resisting a public officer, and other minor offenses. Despite these protests, the 24-member board, which is entirely appointed by Republican state lawmakers, proceeded with the vote.
The vote was not unanimous; two board members, Joel Ford and Sonja Phillips Nichols, both of whom are Black, opposed the repeal. UNC System President Peter Hans emphasized the need for higher education to maintain “principled neutrality” to protect free speech and academic freedom. He argued that universities should not be seen as partisan entities but as platforms for hosting and enriching debates.
Board member Gene Davis acknowledged the positive impact of DEI programs in making universities more inclusive and reflective of the state’s diverse population. However, he supported the policy change, citing discomfort with certain aspects of DEI initiatives.
The new policy, effective September 1, requires each institution to certify compliance with the university’s commitment to neutrality and nondiscrimination. Schools must report any reductions in force and spending changes resulting from the policy, with savings redirected towards student success and wellbeing initiatives. The policy underscores treating each individual with dignity and inclusion, defining diversity in terms of backgrounds, beliefs, viewpoints, abilities, culture, and traditions.
The previous 2019 policy established system-wide diversity and inclusion goals and created a UNC System diversity council. DEI programs across the system aimed to assist low-income and first-generation students, promote digital equity, and support initiatives like UNC Charlotte’s language translation tools and Appalachian State’s “Chosen Name Initiative.”
Prior to the final vote, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees authorized reallocating $2.3 million from DEI spending to campus police and public safety. This decision was not in line with the Board of Governors’ policy, which calls for such reallocations to be reported in their budget submissions.
Governor Roy Cooper criticized the board’s decision, calling it a political move that undermines the state’s diversity as a strength. He expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on student protection, innovation, and recruitment. Democratic leaders and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of North Carolina also voiced their opposition, arguing that repealing DEI policies could drive businesses away and make students feel less included.
The decision has not implemented recommendations from the Governor’s Commission on Public University Governance, which advocated for increased transparency and ideological diversity on university boards. Critics warn that the repeal of DEI policies could harm North Carolina’s educational and economic prospects.
