UA to Close Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division

The University of Alabama President, Stuart R. Bell, announced that “recent changes to state and federal laws prompted a comprehensive review of campus programs, resources, and initiatives to ensure they are committed to student and employee success and comply with applicable law.”

A law signed by Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama Act 2024-34 (formerly SB 129), “would prohibit certain public entities, including state agencies, local boards of education, and public institutions of higher education, from maintaining a diversity, equity, and inclusion office or department or sponsoring any diversity, equity, and inclusion program or program that advocates for a divisive concept.”

This law will take effect on October 1, 2024.

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Following this announcement, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be shut down, affecting both the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Now, the Division of Opportunities, Connections, and Success has been established under the leadership of Dr. Christine Taylor.

According to UA, the Division of Opportunities, Connections, and Success “serves a leadership role in collaboration with existing and future University efforts to support all students seeking educational access and academic achievement.”

Opportunities – increasing access to higher education through heightened academic support and services to Alabama students and families with lower college attendance rates.

Connections – fostering campuswide initiatives on free speech and civil discourse.

Success – preparing students for the global workforce by enhancing skills and competencies sought by employers and by helping students and employees understand and effectively work with individuals from varying backgrounds.

Bell said, “That commitment remains as strong as ever, and our institutional goals remain steadfastly dedicated to providing resources to equip all members of our campus community. We will continue to assess how we can best serve our campus community and achieve those goals, and I appreciate every student, faculty, and staff member who works diligently to support these efforts.”