North Carolina's Public Universities Implement Massive DEI Overhaul, Cutting 59 Positions

Nearly 200 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff positions were either cut or reassigned across North Carolina's public university system. This move was in response to a system-wide policy requiring institutions to reassess their diversity efforts, according to reports released on Wednesday.

University Compliance with New Diversity Policy

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors reviewed the reports on Wednesday. They evaluated actions such as diversity office closures and programme changes. Millions of dollars were redirected to student success initiatives, including recruitment efforts and scholarships, due to these cuts and realignments.

In late May, the UNC Board of Governors revoked its 2019 diversity policy. The new policy focuses on equality of viewpoints, freedom of speech, and institutional neutrality. This change left many diversity positions and programmes uncertain.

Impact on Staff Positions

The newly released reports show universities eliminated 59 positions and reassigned 131 more. UNC-Chapel Hill accounted for a third of the eliminated positions. UNC Charlotte followed with nine cuts, and North Carolina State University had eight positions eliminated.

NC State led in position reassignments, moving 29 people to new roles. UNC-Chapel Hill realigned 27 positions. Other universities, like Eastern Carolina University and UNC Wilmington, opted to reassign rather than eliminate positions.

Financial Reallocation

Universities redirected over $17 million across the system towards student success initiatives. Most universities have already spent these savings, while UNC Pembroke and Appalachian State University have yet to do so.

Concerns about how the policy would affect diverse recruitment and retention were raised during the board meeting by Joel Ford, one of the board's few Black members. He urged UNC System president Peter Hans to ensure that community members know the universities remain welcoming to all students.

"That remains our obligation under federal law, state law and our moral obligation as well," Hans responded.

Varied Approaches Across Campuses

The certification reports demonstrate varying approaches on how campuses chose to follow the new rule. Some universities chose to eliminate positions entirely, while others opted for reassignments or programme changes.

"The reports will be scrutinised far and wide. Some will say that the campuses went too far, some will say the campuses didn't go far enough," UNC system legal counsel Andrew Tripp said during the meeting. "It's ultimately the Board of Governors that will judge campuses' compliance."

Political Context

Diversity efforts have become a contentious issue on college campuses in recent years. The University of Florida and the University of Texas have made headlines for dismantling their diversity offices and cutting staff. Opponents argue that DEI practices can lead to discrimination, while supporters believe they help level the playing field for women and people of colour.

North Carolina's Republican legislative leaders have also expressed concerns about DEI programmes. At one point, they considered legislation restricting these programmes before the UNC Board of Governors intervened.

Future Compliance

Compliance with the new policy will continue annually. However, Tripp noted that the reports were a "great first step." Board member Woody White expressed concern about how quickly and fully the policy was implemented. He questioned whether all universities "meaningfully" made adjustments to comply with the new policy.

Information on how universities were following the guidance was largely kept under wraps before the September 1 report submission deadline. Now, over a week later, those reports provide a clearer picture of how each institution has adapted to the new requirements.

The UNC system in June sent out guidelines covering everything from student success initiatives to campus centre programming to facilitate these changes. Schools were required to submit certification reports detailing eliminated positions, reassignments, programme changes, and financial savings from cuts.

The changes reflect a broader trend among conservative leaders who are increasingly scrutinising DEI efforts in higher education institutions across the country.

The recent actions taken by North Carolina's public universities mark a significant shift in how diversity efforts are managed within the state's higher education system.