News Summary
Western Carolina University has announced the closure of its Office of Intercultural Affairs effective June 12, aligning with changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within the UNC System. This decision follows the repealing of previous DEI requirements and reflects a broader reevaluation of diversity initiatives at the university, which saw significant staffing changes. The closure comes amid ongoing scrutiny related to DEI compliance practices across campuses in North Carolina, raising questions about the future of such initiatives.
Cullowhee, North Carolina – Western Carolina University (WCU) announced the closure of its Office of Intercultural Affairs (ICA) effective June 12, 2024, in response to ongoing changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. This decision aligns with the recent “equality policy” adopted by the UNC System Board of Governors, which repealed previous DEI requirements over a year ago.
The ICA, which has operated since 2010, was dedicated to fostering connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds while promoting and celebrating differing identities. Its closure marks a significant shift in WCU’s commitment to diversity programming, as the university continues to adapt to the system-wide policy changes that have broadly impacted DEI efforts across North Carolina’s higher education institutions.
Chancellor Kelli Brown’s announcement coincided with increased scrutiny surrounding the university’s handling of DEI initiatives following the release of an undercover video by a conservative activist group. In the video, WCU’s Director of Institutional Assessment, Karen Price, was seen advocating for the integration of DEI principles throughout the university and not limiting them to a single office. This revelation raised concerns about compliance with the newly established equality policy, prompting the decision to shutter the ICA.
In the wake of the repeal of DEI requirements, nearly 60 positions across the UNC System related to DEI were eliminated, and an additional 130 roles were either realigned or stripped of DEI responsibilities. At WCU, a report from last year highlighted the elimination of a vacant chief diversity officer position and the closure of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs, reflecting a broader reevaluation of diversity staffing and resources at the university.
The recent closure of the ICA also led to significant staffing changes, including the elimination of three vacant positions associated with the office and the reallocation of two additional roles to the Division of Student Success. Despite these layoffs, a spokesperson for WCU reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment for all students.
Western Carolina University is not alone in navigating the fallout from the changes in DEI policies. UNC Wilmington and other campuses within the UNC System have faced similar scrutiny, particularly related to their management of DEI initiatives and potential noncompliance with directives from the Board of Governors. UNC Wilmington is currently under review after an undercover video revealed discussions regarding their DEI compliance practices.
The restructuring at WCU aims to provide clarity and consistency in the support services available to students, according to Chancellor Brown, as the university transitions to the equality policy framework. This policy shift comes amidst ongoing federal investigations into alleged breaches of Title IX regulations at the university, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Overall, the closure of the ICA signifies both a response to changing policy landscapes and a pivot in how institutions within the UNC System approach diversity and inclusion efforts moving forward. The unfolding situation reflects ongoing national conversations about DEI in higher education, raising questions about the future of such initiatives across universities in North Carolina and beyond.
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Western Carolina University Administrator Terminated Over DEI Video
Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- WLOS
- Google Search: Western Carolina University DEI closure
- The Sylva Herald
- Google Scholar: diversity equity inclusion policies UNC
- Smoky Mountain News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher education
- Niner Times
- Google News: Western Carolina University DEI cancellation
