University of North Carolina at Asheville Chancellor and Interim Provost Spark Controversy with Diversity Hiring Program Decision
A recent decision by University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) Chancellor Kimberly Van Noort and Interim Provost Herman Holt to discontinue a diversity hiring program has sparked controversy among faculty members, students, and staff at the institution.
Faculty Respond with Petition
Following the announcement of the discontinuation of the program, a group of faculty members have created a petition in response. The petition, which has garnered significant support from the UNCA community, calls for the reinstatement of the diversity hiring program and emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
Impact on Campus Community
The decision to end the diversity hiring program has left many members of the UNCA community feeling disappointed and concerned about the future of diversity initiatives at the institution. Some students and staff have expressed fear that without a dedicated program in place, efforts to increase diversity among faculty and staff may stagnate.
Support for Diversity Initiatives
Despite the decision to discontinue the diversity hiring program, there remains a strong level of support for diversity initiatives at UNCA. Many students, faculty, and staff members continue to advocate for the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
Response from UNCA Officials
In response to the backlash from the UNCA community, Chancellor Van Noort and Interim Provost Holt have issued a statement defending their decision. The statement emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility and efficiency within the institution, citing budgetary constraints as a primary factor in the decision to end the diversity hiring program.
Looking to the Future
As discussions about diversity and inclusion continue to unfold on the UNCA campus, many are hopeful that a resolution can be reached that aligns with the institution’s values and goals. Students, faculty, and staff remain committed to advocating for a more diverse and inclusive campus community, and are actively working towards finding solutions that promote equity and representation for all individuals at UNCA.
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
