The three universities that make up the University of Alabama system closed their diversity, equity and inclusion offices as a result of the state’s newly passed DEI ban, the Associated Press reported. The ban forbids public institutions of higher education, K-12 schools and state agencies from having DEI offices and goes into effect on Oct. 1.
The University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Huntsville and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have all closed their DEI divisions. Huntsville’s will become the Office of Access, Connections and Engagement, WAFF reported. UA’s will be replaced by a new Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success, while UAB will open a new Office of Access and Engagement, according to the AP; each campus’s new office will be led by its former head of DEI.
“Our mission has not wavered, and we remain committed to our institutional goals to welcome all, serve all and see all thrive and succeed,” Stuart R. Bell, UA’s president, said in message to the campus.
Alabama is just the latest state to close DEI offices in response to anti-DEI legislation, following Florida, Texas, Utah and several more.
