Last month, student organizations at Samford University received an email demanding that each group add the university's nondiscrimination statement to their organization constitution.
The email, which 1819 reviewed, ended with this ominous warning: "This update is required by the university, and all student organizations must comply."
The statement each group was to add can be found in full on their website.
It reads as follows:
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, the University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, religion, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to the University, in its education policies, programs, and activities, in its admissions policies, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the University. As a faith-based institution, the University is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination.
According to a report by the student paper, The Samford Crimson, at least two administrators linked the new requirement to the school's ongoing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
"Samford's proactive approach signals a positive direction in fostering an inclusive campus. While other universities face challenges around DEI policies, Samford's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its DEI initiatives demonstrates that the university is focused on long-term growth and inclusivity, regardless of external pressures," Carla Novaes-Reddick, the director of Student Involvement, told the Samford Crimson.
The paper also reported that Jhamal Mathis, the coordinator for Multicultural Student Support and Gospel Choir advisor, believes this change is paving the way for diversity and continuing to support a faith-based mindset on campus
"I believe this change will serve as a reminder of the diverse nature of our campus. In my personal experience with campus organizations, even prior to the change, I have witnessed much diversity and inclusivity in membership and programming of our student organizations, and I am excited to see how that may continue to grow," said Mathis.
The email to student groups came just weeks after the U.S. Department of Education announced that it "has taken action to eliminate harmful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including references to them in public-facing communication channels and its associated workforce. These actions are in line with President Trump's ongoing commitment to end illegal discrimination and wasteful spending across the federal government. They are the first step in reorienting the agency toward prioritizing meaningful learning ahead of divisive ideology in our schools."
According to her biography, Novaes-Reddick is primarily responsible for advising and managing over 140 student organizations.
In a statement provided to 1819 News, Samford University declared, "Samford University did not mandate that student groups add DEI statements to their constitutions. Rather, in accordance with the law, Samford University directed all student organizations to adhere to the university’s longstanding official non-discrimination statement. The university’s non-discrimination statement is not a so-called “DEI statement” and is entirely in compliance with the Department of Education’s guidance that, consistent with the law, all educational institutions treat all students equally without regard to race in all aspects of student and campus life. Samford University takes seriously its legal obligations as it seeks to fulfill its Christian mission to foster academic, career, and ethical competency in a community that fosters social and civic responsibility."
Samford's website is rife with references to DEI efforts across their campus. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Located in Homewood, the university currently enrolls 6,101 students.
1819 News contacted Novaes-Reddick, Mathis, and Carter Schultz, the assistant vice president of University Marketing and Public Relations for Samford University, for comment before publishing this article.
Editors Note: This story was updated to include the statement provided by Samford University.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
