The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees voted to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and transfer $2.3 million in funding to public safety and campus police. This decision came after anti-Israel demonstrations on campus. The university’s operating budget exceeded $4 billion last fiscal year, with Board Chair David Boliek expressing beliefs that there was administrative bloat that needed to be addressed. Trustee Marty Kotis highlighted the need for increased funding for law enforcement following the recent protests.
The policy change regarding DEI programs was already under consideration before the anti-Israel demonstrations, according to Board Chair David Boliek. The UNC Board of Governors, which oversees all 17 public universities in the state, is expected to vote on restricting DEI programs statewide. The proposed policy change would reverse and replace a regulation adopted in 2019 that outlined the roles of various DEI positions and the establishment of a diversity and inclusion council. If fully repealed, the UNC system could join other universities in dismantling their diversity offices.
The new policy that may replace the existing regulation does not include the responsibilities of DEI officers and liaisons, potentially leading to their elimination. However, efforts related to tracking diversity metrics and reporting to university boards are expected to continue. UNC Chapel Hill, the system’s flagship campus, will review the policy change and collaborate with the university system if it is implemented. This move towards reallocating funds from DEI programs to public safety and campus police comes as part of the university’s effort to address administrative bloat and prioritize essential services.
The decision to reallocate funding from DEI programs to public safety and police comes as the university grapples with the aftermath of anti-Israel demonstrations and arrests at UNC Chapel Hill. Trustee Marty Kotis emphasized the importance of considering the needs of all students and prioritizing the overall operations of the university. The UNC Board of Governors is expected to vote on statewide restrictions to DEI programs next week, following the UNC Chapel Hill Board of Trustees’ decision. This move aligns with a broader trend of universities dismantling their diversity offices and reallocating funding to other areas.
The potential repeal of the DEI regulation adopted in 2019 could have significant implications for how diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are structured and supported within the UNC system. The replacement policy under consideration in Raleigh next week does not outline the specific responsibilities of DEI officers and liaisons, raising concerns about the future of these positions. The university system’s commitment to non-discrimination and institutional neutrality will be reaffirmed through the proposed policy change, according to Senior Vice President Andrew Tripp.
UNC Chapel Hill, known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion with a dedicated office and staff, will work with the university system to implement any policy changes that are approved. Spokesperson Kevin Best emphasized the university’s adherence to equality of opportunity in education and employment as a core value. Despite the potential changes to DEI programs, UNC Chapel Hill remains committed to welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Ultimately, the decision to reallocate funding to public safety and police reflects the university’s efforts to streamline operations and prioritize essential services in response to recent events on campus.
