The UNC System Board of Directors supersedes the DEI policy

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System’s board of directors has voted to replace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies among 17 public universities in the state.

Thursday’s decision aims to “ensure the equality of all persons and viewpoints” and replaces a 2019 policy that emphasized inclusivity and required diversity reports from each school’s Chief Diversity Officer.

“Campuses will continue to implement programs or services designed to positively impact the academic performance, retention, or graduation of students from diverse backgrounds, provided that programming complies with the institutional neutrality specified in Section VII of this policy and/or other state regulations. and federal requirements,” the new policy reads.

It’s a big win for DEI opponents, as North Carolina is led by a Democratic governor and President Biden has indicated he will try to flip the state in the election. Other states that have rolled back DEI policies or banned DEI offices were completely red states, such as Florida and Texas.

“And principled neutrality allows us to welcome true diversity, which is a clear fact of our society and a great source of strength. Ensuring that everyone is included and supported is core to our mission as a public institution. But it is not the job of the university to solve all the complex and multi-dimensional questions about how to balance and interpret identity. These are powerfully contested ideas, both in our democracy and on our campuses,” said Peter Hans, president of the UNC System.

Before Thursday’s vote, UNC Chapel Hill had already decided to dedicate its DEI funding to public safety.

“We will continue and take on a kind of leadership role in this. That’s the way I see it,” said UNC Chapel Hill Budget Chairman Dave Boliek.

It is unknown how many DEI jobs will be lost at North Carolina universities. Hundreds of positions have been terminated in connection with DEI initiatives in Texas and Florida.

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