MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The University of Alabama System announced Tuesday it is shuttering its diversity, equity and inclusion programs and launching new offices to comply with Senate Bill 129, which banned state-funded DEI offices at educational institutions.
University of Alabama President Stuart Bell said in an email to students, faculty and staff that the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be replaced with the Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success and be led by Christine Taylor. Taylor has served as the vice president and associate provost for the DEI office since August 2017.
“Under her leadership, OCS will offer three primary initiatives that support our goal of preparing all students and employees for success on campus and beyond,” Bell said.
The first of the initiatives is opportunities. According to the announcement, opportunities will focus on “increasing access to higher education through heightened academic support and services to Alabama students and families with lower college attendance rates.”
Secondly, connections will foster “campus wide initiatives on free speech and civil discourse,” according to the announcement. Finally, success will focus on “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.”
The University of Alabama at Huntsville closed its DEI office and opened the Office of Access, Connections and Engagement, according to a release.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham closed its DEI office and opened of the Office of Access and Engagement, according to a release. UAB President Ray Watts said the office will function to broadly serve and promote the success of UAB students.
“Our goal with the new Office of Access and Engagement is to make sure everyone has access to available programs and resources they need to be successful here at UAB and beyond,” Watts said.
Other public universities have closed their DEI offices in preparation for the law to take effect. Jacksonville State University announced in May that its Office of Diversity and Inclusion would close May 31. Those working in the office were offered and accepted jobs across campus, according to the announcement from JSU President Don Killingsworth.
“This decision was not made lightly but is necessary to ensure compliance with the new legal framework imposed by Act 2024-34,” Killingsworth wrote.
Unlike the University of Alabama System, JSU did not announce plans for a replacement office.
“Differences, including differences of opinion shared with civility, strengthen our campus community,” Bell wrote. “Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom, and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world.”
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 “divisive concepts.” Under the law, any violators could be fired.
Supporters of the legislation have praised UA for closing the office. Republican U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, applauding UA for its decision.
“Glad to see the University of Alabama System is ELIMINATING its DEI offices and shifting funds to support its students,” he wrote. “It’s time for DEI to DIE.”
The ACLU of Alabama on Tuesday issued a statement criticizing the decision and law.
“It wasn’t that long ago when the university was lauded nationwide for its proactive efforts to help students feel more welcomed after peaceful demonstrations and videos by student-athletes, coaches, and administrators drew attention to the struggles most students of color face,” Executive Director JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist said in a statement. “The university’s decision is inconsistent with the desires of their student body as UA students were among the most vocal leading opposition to SB129. We will continue to collaborate with our partners in Tuscaloosa and across the state to determine how we can best support students and educators.”