Almost 200 diversity, equity, and inclusion staff positions were either cut or reassigned across North Carolina's public university system to comply with a systemwide policy that required institutions to reassess their diversity efforts. The University of North Carolina Board of Governors reviewed the reports on Wednesday, evaluating actions that included diversity office closures and program changes. Millions of dollars were redirected to student success initiatives, such as recruitment efforts and scholarships, due to cuts and realignments.
In late May, the UNC Board of Governors replaced its 2019 diversity policy with a new policy focused on equality of viewpoints, freedom of speech, and institutional neutrality. This change left diversity positions and programs in limbo, sparking varying responses from campuses across the state.
