North Carolina’s public university system is considering a vote on changing its diversity policy, and the flagship university board, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees, recently voted to cut funding for diversity programs in next year’s budget. The $2.3 million of diversity spending is being diverted from state funds to go toward public safety and policing at UNC-Chapel Hill. This decision could potentially lead to the loss of the university’s diversity office, which has 12 staff members including a chief diversity officer. The budget amendment will now be submitted to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.
The decision to shift more funding towards public safety comes in the midst of continued pro-Palestinian protests on UNC’s campus, which have resulted in several arrests. Budget committee vice-chair Marty Kotis expressed the need for more funding for law enforcement to keep the university safe from potential threats. Despite the timing of the reallocation coinciding with recent events, budget chair Dave Boliek stated that internal discussions on diversity spending cuts have been ongoing for almost a year. The board has been considering the handling of university diversity programs in light of the U.S. Supreme Court striking down affirmative action in college admissions.
With Republican bill proposals seeking to limit diversity and inclusion programs in multiple states, including North Carolina, the UNC Board of Governors is expected to vote on changing its diversity policy after the university governance committee’s decision to reverse and replace the existing rule. This change would impact various diversity, equity, and inclusion positions at 17 schools throughout the state. If approved, it would take effect immediately. Republican House Speaker Tim Moore has expressed interest in pursuing anti-DEI legislation, but wanted university boards to review their policies first. The UNC Board of Governors consists of 24 members who will vote on the policy change next week.
The decision to reallocate funds at UNC-Chapel Hill is seen as taking a leadership role in the evolving landscape of diversity spending at public universities. Similar changes have been made at other institutions like the University of Florida, which shifted funds to faculty recruitment in response to a state legislative ban on diversity program spending. The UNC-Chapel Hill budget amendment is set to take effect at the beginning of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with potential job impacts occurring after that date. The university’s flexible management plan, led by interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and his team, will determine the fate of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
While the funding cut decision at UNC-Chapel Hill may result in a loss of resources for diversity programs, it is being viewed as a necessary step by some board members to prioritize public safety in light of recent events on campus. The shift in funding reflects a broader trend in state legislatures and university boards reevaluating their approach to diversity and inclusion initiatives. As discussions continue at the state and university levels, the outcome of these policy changes will have a significant impact on the diversity landscape within higher education institutions in North Carolina and beyond.
