On August 2, 2024, University of South Alabama (USA) president Jo Bonner announced that the university would close its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office to comply with a new Alabama law banning diversity, equity and inclusion activities and programs.
On March 20, 2024, Alabama’s governor signed into law new legislation limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within public education and governmental systems, including the state’s public colleges and universities (see report). On August 2, USA took preemptive action by closing the DEI office. In a letter to the university community, Bonner stated, “Although the law does not take effect until Oct. 1, we are moving thoughtfully and deliberately to ensure we are fully in compliance prior to that date..” In addition to the office closure, a university spokesperson announced that two positions would be eliminated, but that “Both employees [would] be encouraged to apply for open positions within the University.”
The office closure and layoffs fit into a broader pattern of states targeting DEI programs. At least 70 anti-DEI bills have been introduced across 26 states since 2023, with at least 13 passing.
Scholars at Risk is concerned about a university laying off employees as a result of an ideologically driven, political directive. This is a direct encroachment by the government on the university’s authority to set policies concerning personnel, admissions, curricula, and the establishment of particular programs. External actors, including government officials and political actors have a right to free expression, but should not be permitted to impose undue pressure on universities’ academic decisions, including those relating to the hiring and firing of academic personnel, or curricula. Universities should take measures to ensure, wherever possible, that such decisions remain free from outside pressure and are driven solely by academic considerations. Such actions undermine university autonomy and inhibit institutions’ ability to function freely, undermining academic freedom and democratic society generally. Moreover, actions targeting diversity and social justice efforts may also erode core university values including social responsibility and equitable access.
Sources:
https://www.campusreform.org/article/university-south-alabama-shuts-dei-office/26075
https://alabamareflector.com/2024/08/06/university-of-south-alabama-closes-dei-office-after-passage-of-anti-dei-law/#:~:text=USA%20President%20Jo%20Bonner%20announced,not%20take%20effect%20until%20Oct.
https://www.al.com/educationlab/2024/08/university-of-south-alabama-closes-its-dei-office.html