The University of Alabama will close its Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion following the enactment of a new state law that prohibits public higher education institutions from maintaining such programs.
The office will be replaced by the Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success, which will focus on promoting access and engagement rather than diversity.
"It is 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," university President Stuart R. Bell said in a Tuesday statement.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the school's DEI webpage was no longer available, according to the school's student newspaper, The Crimson White. The new OCS page instead emphasizes preparing employees and students for success.
The new law, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in March and effective Oct. 1, also bans transgender individuals from using public restrooms that align with their gender identity. This move follows similar legislative actions in other states and reflects a broader trend of reducing DEI initiatives in public institutions.
Similar measures affecting higher education have been enacted in states such as Florida, Texas, and Utah, and at least one legislative chamber in nearly a dozen other states has also passed anti-DEI bills.
Additionally, private companies have also started dismantling their once-touted DEI initiatives introduced following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Microsoft recently laid off its DEI team, with other companies like Meta, Google, Zoom, Snap, Tesla, DoorDash, Lyft, Home Depot and Wayfair making cuts as well.
Alabama Republican Will Barfoot, the Senate bill's sponsor, told NBC News in March that, "Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies. This legislation will build bridges to celebrate what people have in common, not erect walls that silo people into the idea that their race, religion, and sexual orientation solely define who they are and how society should view them."
Despite the changes, Bell said the university still aims to serve all students.
"Differences, including differences of opinion shared with civility, strengthen our campus community," he said. "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."
