The University of Wyoming has announced the closure of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, a decision that aligns with recent legislative directives. This move marks a significant shift in the university's approach to diversity and inclusion efforts, following the state's removal of funding for such initiatives.
The decision was confirmed in a university news release and supported by UW President Ed Seidel and the Board of Trustees. The announcement comes after the Wyoming Legislature cut $1.73 million from the university’s biennium budget, specifically prohibiting the use of these funds for DEI activities starting July 1.
NEW: The University of Wyoming has banned mandatory DEI statements and closed its DEI office:
President Seidel: “We will not allow units of UW to require job candidates to submit statements regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. We will not have a requirement for employees… pic.twitter.com/jID2XZMUbg
— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) May 13, 2024
In addition to closing the DEI office, the university will reassign its duties to other campus units. Services related to Title VI compliance, religious accommodations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordination will now fall under a newly created vice provost for faculty, student, and staff access and opportunity.
UW spokesperson Chad Baldwin assured that while the two full-time DEI positions will be eliminated, layoffs are not expected since there are other open positions at the university. The restructuring will also see the removal of requirements for job candidates to submit DEI statements and the exclusion of DEI considerations from annual performance reviews.
"There's over a dozen ridiculous DEI things and they can't find enough female construction workers…"@JTLonsdale explains how DEI is killing the $39B CHIPS Act and why our country can't build. pic.twitter.com/9aoNxv3XUk
— American Optimist (@AmOptimistShow) June 26, 2024
President Seidel emphasized that while these changes are challenging, they aim to balance the expectations of elected officials with the needs of the university community. He stressed that despite the closure, UW remains committed to training employees on nondiscrimination practices and protecting academic freedom and freedom of expression.
The DEI office's closure has sparked mixed reactions. Some, like State Rep. Karlee Provenza, criticized the decision, arguing that it reflects the influence of extreme political rhetoric and could deter students from attending the university. On the other hand, supporters of the move, such as some members of the Natrona County Moms for Liberty, argue that DEI initiatives foster division and undermine merit-based opportunities.
The university's shift comes amid a broader national debate on DEI policies in educational institutions. Similar legislative actions have been observed in other states, including Utah, where Governor Spencer Cox recently banned DEI training and activities at state universities and government institutions.
As the University of Wyoming navigates these changes, it remains to be seen how the reassigned duties and new administrative structures will impact the campus climate and the university's ability to attract and retain a diverse student and staff population.
