In a recent meeting held in Winston-Salem, a committee of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System's Board of Governors approved a new policy that targets diversity and inclusion efforts at state universities. This policy also includes the elimination of positions related to diversity and inclusion. The full board is set to vote on the proposed policy next month.

The committee's decision to repeal and replace the existing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy, which was adopted in 2019, was made without discussion. The new policy will impact all 16 public colleges and universities across the state, including prominent institutions like UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University.

Under the proposed policy, jobs and job titles related to diversity and inclusion will need to be changed or eliminated by September 1st. This has raised concerns among students and faculty members, who believe that DEI goals and initiatives are at stake.

The current policy, titled "Regulation on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina," requires each institution to have a senior-level administrator serving as its diversity and inclusion officer. It also establishes system-wide diversity and inclusion metrics and goals, as well as a UNC System diversity and inclusion council.

However, the new proposed policy, titled "Equality Within the University of North Carolina," aims to replace the previous section entirely. It mandates that each institution certify its full compliance with the university's commitment to institutional neutrality and nondiscrimination by September 1st. Additionally, institutions will be required to submit a report on any reductions in force and spending, changes to job titles, and position descriptions that result from implementing the new policy, along with a plan to redirect the savings to initiatives related to student success and wellbeing.

The political landscape surrounding this decision is crucial to understanding the debate. Members of the Board of Governors are appointed by the state House and Senate, and all current members have been appointed by Republicans, as the Republican Party has controlled both chambers since 2011.

Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, criticized the move, stating that attacking diversity at public universities threatens the recruitment of top scientists, researchers, and innovators who contribute to the state's economy.

Students at UNC-Chapel Hill expressed concern about the potential changes, emphasizing the importance of open discussion and understanding the benefits that DEI brings. They argue that public institutions should represent the diversity of the state and have policies in place to ensure a representative body.

This latest development aligns with the efforts made by Republican lawmakers in the past year to restrict pro-diversity views at public universities and within state government. Some Republican-controlled state governments, like the University of Florida, have already eliminated positions related to diversity and inclusion in response to new state laws.

The upcoming vote by the full board in May will determine the fate of the proposed policy. Meanwhile, proponents and opponents of the policy continue to debate its potential impact on the university system's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

It is worth noting that last year, Cooper's Commission on Public University Governance recommended changes to foster diverse and inclusive campuses by expanding the Board of Governors and allowing the minority party in each chamber to appoint members. Former UNC System President Tom Ross, in support of diversity, highlighted that it enhances the overall experience and stability of public universities.

The implications of this potential policy change on the university system and its stakeholders remain to be seen, with many hoping for a respectful and balanced approach that preserves the importance of diversity and inclusion.