SEC Schools Shutter DEI Offices Amid State Laws and Increased Scrutiny
Several Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools have closed or significantly scaled back their offices focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in recent years. The University of Texas, which is set to play in the SEC championship game against Georgia on Saturday, is one such institution. In January, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law banning DEI offices in all state universities, and the University of Texas has since removed all mentions of DEI from its websites and mission statements.
Georgia, another SEC school, has also seen changes to its DEI initiatives. While the University System of Georgia (USG) no longer uses DEI terminology in hiring practices or teaching training standards, the university still has an “Office of Inclusive Excellence” that aims to increase enrollment of underrepresented students. The athletic department also has an Assistant Athletic Director for Inclusive Excellence & Strategic Engagement.
The University of Arkansas has taken a similar approach, closing its DEI offices in April 2023, but maintaining diversity initiatives through its “Hogs United” student-athlete and coach advocacy group. Other SEC schools, such as Louisiana State University, have removed DEI language from their websites and mission statements, but still have diversity-focused committees and initiatives.
The trend of shuttering DEI offices is not unique to the SEC or even the public sector. Many private companies and organizations have also eliminated or significantly scaled back their DEI initiatives in recent years.
The shift away from DEI initiatives has been met with criticism from some who argue that the efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are essential for creating a positive and inclusive environment. Others, however, see DEI initiatives as a waste of resources or a way to promote “woke” ideology.
A recent report by CriticalRace.org found that many SEC schools have maintained diversity-based missions despite state laws that have closed DEI offices. The report’s author, Kemberlee Kaye, has received complaints from parents about how DEI initiatives have affected their families.
