USA 
United Kingdom
Mirroring recent shifts in the corporate world, the University of North Carolina has implemented cuts to its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, losing or reassigning around 200 staff.
The UNC system, comprising 17 institutions, has reported a redirection of over $16 million towards what it terms "success initiatives," including enhanced recruitment efforts and scholarship programs. The reallocation comes as a result of an overhaul of diversity efforts across all campuses
The policy shift, which echoes similar actions taken by major corporations scaling back their DEI departments, has led to the elimination or reassignment of nearly 200 staff positions dedicated to diversity initiatives. This restructuring varies in scale and approach across the different institutions, with larger campuses generally experiencing more significant changes.
UNC-Chapel Hill, the system's flagship institution, accounts for a third of the eliminated positions, while other large institutions like UNC Charlotte and North Carolina State University also saw notable reductions. Some universities opted for reassignments over eliminations, with NC State leading in this approach by moving 29 employees to new roles and departments.
The changes stem from a May decision by the UNC Board of Governors to revoke its 2019 diversity policy. The new policy emphasizes equality of viewpoints, freedom of speech, and institutional neutrality, leaving many diversity-focused positions and programs in an uncertain state.
The changes are part of a growing national debate over the role of DEI in higher education and the workplace. Proponents of DEI argue that these initiatives help level the playing field for underrepresented groups, while critics contend that they can lead to discrimination and undermine merit-based systems.
Some board members expressed concerns about the impact on diverse recruitment and retention, calling for assurances that the universities would remain welcoming to all students. Others questioned whether the policy was being implemented thoroughly and consistently across all institutions.
Student reaction has been mixed, with some expressing worry about the loss of resources they view as crucial for success, particularly for students from minority or less privileged backgrounds. There are concerns that the reduction in DEI-focused staff could lead to a less comfortable and supportive environment for bringing diverse ideas to the forefront.
The UNC system's approach to implementing these changes included comprehensive guidelines covering various aspects of university life, from student success initiatives to campus center programming. Each institution was required to submit detailed reports outlining eliminated positions, reassignments, program changes, and financial savings resulting from the cuts.
The move is part of a broader trend that has seen institutions of higher education and corporations alike reevaluating their approach to diversity and inclusion.
