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Auburn to close DEI office, employees will be reassigned

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn University is closing its Office of Diversity and Inclusion to comply with the passing of Senate Bill 129.

According to the announcement, no employees will be fired and will either fill existing roles, or will have a new role in a different department.

“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,” university leaders wrote in an announcement to faculty, staff and students Monday. “Depending on their responsibilities, they will report to the Office of Enrollment Management, Division of Student Affairs or the Office of the Provost.”

According to the statement, the decision was a product of an initiative led by the vice provost’s office, which started in April. The initiative offered “several” recommendations that aligned institutional goals with the new law. 

“Working groups were created, which were comprised of internal and external stakeholders including faculty, students, staff, administrators and alumni,” the statement read. “These working groups developed several recommendations to ensure Auburn advances its mission while being consistent with applicable law.”

Senate Bill 129 was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in March and goes into effect on Oct. 1. The law prohibits the government from funding and supporting programs in public entities that are based on diversity, equity and inclusion, or promoting curriculum that push “divisive concepts.” Under the law, any violators could be fired.

Auburn’s DEI office will close by Aug. 15.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the First Amendment is celebrated and that all students, faculty and staff are welcomed, valued, respected and engaged,” the statement read.

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