Auburn now fifth university in Alabama to close DEI office in wake of new law
Another diversity, equity and inclusion office will be no more in the state of Alabama.
Auburn University on Monday announced its DEI office is shutting down effective Aug. 15, citing a new state law that bans public schools and universities in the state from funding DEI programs.
The decision came on the heels of a recent announcement that the University of Alabama system’s three campuses are also closing their DEI offices and reassigning staff to other student-success efforts such as academic support as well as initiatives advancing free speech and civil discourse.
Auburn is the second-largest campus in Alabama with a total enrollment of 33,000 students.
“Some colleagues will fill existing vacancies, while others will assume new roles in existing offices to assist with student recruitment, admissions or to support student success and student organizations,” Auburn’s announcement stated. “…We remain resolute in our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and to support all students, with particular emphasis on providing access and opportunity.”
Auburn joins the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Huntsville, as well as Jacksonville State University, in closing their DEI offices in response to the law, SB 129, which was signed in March by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey.
“I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses – or wherever else for that matter – to go under the acronym of DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe,” Ivey said in signing the bill.
The bill came six-plus months after a report found the University of Alabama and Auburn University embrace DEI policies to the detriment of the quality of the schools.
AL.com reported that “Auburn recently reported the highest spending in the state, about $5.6 million, on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, according to a response to a 2022 legislative inquiry.”
“Most of those efforts were focused on federally mandated compliance activities, like Title IX and disability services. About $1.8 million of that total went to the newly formed diversity office, which employed 14 full-time employees and three part-time graduate assistants at the time.”
As The College Fix previously reported, SB 129 had sparked anger among Democrats and some students, sparking petitions and protests. Some even encouraged student athletes to avoid Alabama schools.
MORE: Alabama gov. signs law banning DEI funding at universities
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