The University of Alabama System announced on Tuesday it was rebranding its Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices but keeping the same leadership at its Birmingham, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa campuses.
According to a press release, to comply with Alabama Act 2024-34 (formerly SB129) and federal law, the Offices of DEI will close at the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama in Huntsville.
The University of Alabama will now have a Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success that “furthers the University’s efforts to promote success for everyone in the UA community, including those who may face educational access and achievement challenges.” The division will be led by Dr. Christine Taylor, the UA’s vice president and associate provost of DEI, who was hired in 2017.
“It’s important to note we will continue to provide resources and support to every member of our campus community, as our commitment to each individual’s success remains steadfast,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said. “Differences, including differences of opinion, shared with civility, strengthen our campus community. Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom, and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world.”
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s closed DEI office will now be the Office of Access and Engagement, which will “open with a new charge and function to broadly serve and promote the success of all UAB students, faculty and staff.” The office will be led by vice president for Access and Engagement Paulette Dilworth, the school’s vice president of DEI since 2015.
“This is a new office with a new, exciting function, focusing on what we can do to promote success for everyone in the UAB community,” UAB President Ray L. Watts said. “Our goal with the new Office of Access and Engagement is to make sure everyone has access to available programs and resources they need to be successful here at UAB and beyond. This purposeful focus will have lasting benefits for the UAB community, Birmingham, Alabama, and beyond.”
The University of Alabama in Huntsville also announced on Tuesday that its DEI office would be replaced by the Office of Access, Connections, and Engagement. Dr. Bryan Samuel, who was also formerly the school’s vice president of DEI, will lead the new office.
State Sen. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) sponsored the new law banning taxpayer-funded DEI offices and training, which goes into effect on October 1. The law 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.
State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) told 1819 News, “I want to commend the University of Alabama for taking a lead role in our state in implementing in good faith the intent of state legislation passed this year.”
“No public funds will be used toward any DEI programming at the University and all DEI Departments will be closed,” DuBose said. “The new focus of these departments will be to help students statewide in disadvantaged situations regardless of their race or identity. The additional focus will be on preparing these students for well-paying jobs in our state. And while the heads of these departments may remain unchanged; the new goals of the departments are specific and department heads will be held accountable by reviewing specific data-driven metrics. We understand this will be a process that will take time to fully implement, and as a legislator I will continue to monitor the progress and hold the university accountable. I fully expect to hear from other Universities that will follow the direction of U of A and Jacksonville State, the first university to announce DEI department closures.”
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law in March.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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