Chapel Hill, July 28, 2025
News Summary
The University of North Carolina System is mandating its institutions to document the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This directive follows the adoption of the Equality Policy, which has led to significant job cuts and budget savings. UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University are among the institutions most affected. A verification process will be established to ensure compliance, as controversy grows over ongoing DEI initiatives despite the recent changes.
Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina (UNC) System is mandating that its institutions document the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies as part of its recent directives. The Board of Governors is pushing for evidence that schools have effectively enacted policy changes since the adoption of the Equality Policy last year, which led to significant job cuts across the system.
At the heart of these developments is a memo dated June 17 from the UNC System Board Chair and a Board Member, which outlines plans for the required certification of compliance with the Equality Policy by 2024. This initiative is described as an initial effort toward ensuring that DEI positions and language are removed from institutional frameworks.
As a result of these changes, a total of 59 positions have been cut, and 131 jobs have been reassigned, yielding approximately $17 million in savings for the UNC System. Notably, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has seen the highest impact, cutting 20 positions and redirecting $5.3 million, while North Carolina State University eliminated eight roles and reassigned 29, saving $5 million in the process.
Verification Process and Subcommittees
The Board of Governors is establishing five-member subcommittees composed of trustees to oversee the verification of these policy changes. Subcommittee members will be briefed by university chancellors on the training related to the Equality Policy and ongoing institutional documentation.
The verification reviews will be confidential and are intended to compare former job responsibilities concerning DEI roles with new duties assigned to the affected employees. The goal is to assess whether there have been actual performance changes and existing safeguards are upheld.
Recent Controversies
Recently, a conservative nonprofit organization released recordings revealing UNC administrators discussing their commitment to DEI initiatives, contradicting the intended policy changes. This has further fueled controversy surrounding the DEI policy changes. At UNC Asheville, a Dean of Students was dismissed for acknowledging the continuation of DEI work, albeit in a less visible manner. Similarly, an Assistant Director at UNC Charlotte was removed following statements suggesting that DEI initiatives were still in action.
Deadline and Continued Pressure
The Board has set a deadline of July 31 for the submission of subcommittee members, and draft Equality Policy certifications must be completed by September 1. Faculty members, including a professor at North Carolina State University who has criticized DEI efforts, may have played a role in pushing for these changes, leveraging complaints regarding DEI language still being prevalent despite formal policy amendments.
Adding to the backdrop of these shifts, the Trump administration had previously heightened the pressure on educational institutions to dismantle DEI policies, leading to rapid compliance among many universities within the UNC System. Critics, however, express concerns that these operational changes are largely superficial, catering to external pressures rather than reflecting substantive shifts in university policy.
Conclusion
As the UNC System moves forward with these mandates, it remains to be seen how effectively institutions can demonstrate compliance without rolling back commitments to diversity and inclusion that many believe enrich campus communities.
FAQ
What does the UNC System’s Equality Policy entail?
The Equality Policy mandates the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies from UNC institutions, aiming for compliance across the system.
How many positions have been eliminated across the UNC System?
A total of 59 positions have been cut, with an additional 131 positions reassigned, leading to significant budget savings.
When are institutions required to submit documentation for policy changes?
Subcommittee member submissions are due by July 31, and draft Equality Policy certifications are required by September 1.
What has sparked controversy surrounding the DEI policies?
Confidential recordings revealed ongoing administrative discussions about DEI efforts, raising questions about the authenticity of the policy changes.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Directive | Requirement to document the removal of DEI policies. |
| Job Eliminations | 59 job cuts and 131 reassigned positions. |
| Financial Impact | Approx $17 million in savings. |
| Significant Institutions Affected | UNC Chapel Hill and NC State University. |
| Verification Process | Subcommittees to oversee compliance checks. |
| Deadline | Subcommittee members due by July 31; draft certifications by September 1. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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UNC Asheville Dean of Students Dismissed Over DEI Video
UNCA Dean Dismissed Over Controversial DEI Remarks
UNC Asheville Dismisses Dean Over DEI Policy Comments
UNC Asheville Dean of Students Terminated Over DEI Support
North Carolina Public Universities Suspend DEI Course Requirements
Asheville and Hendersonville Hold May Day Protests
NSF Director Resigns Amid Challenges in Leadership
Additional Resources
- WRAL: UNC System Orders Schools to Prove DEI Policies Eliminated
- The Assembly: NC State University DEI Professor Stephen Porter
- The Center Square: DEI Policy Changes in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Google Search: UNC System DEI Policy
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