Jacksonville State University (JSU) will close its Office of Diversity and Inclusion next week after the state legislature banned taxpayer-funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and training in March.
The new law sponsored by State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) also prohibits state agencies, schools and colleges from sponsoring or requiring students and employees to attend or participate in any diversity, equity and inclusion program, training, orientation or coursework.
Two employees work at JSU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, according to the school's website.
Jacksonville State University President Dr. Don Killingsworth Jr. said the office would shut down on May 31.
"This decision was not made lightly but is necessary to ensure compliance with the new legal framework imposed by Act 2024-34. All current employees within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion have been offered and have accepted positions in other areas across campus. The decision to close the office ahead of the October 1 deadline, as mandated by the state, is to ensure these employees have sufficient time to transition to their new roles before the flurry of the fall semester begins," Killingsworth said in a memo to staff and students on Wednesday. "As we undergo this transition, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the Jax State community."
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