In a move that's got everyone talking, folks are standing their ground against what they see as an overreach of woke-DEI ideology.
It seems this brand of thinking, which has been woven into the fabric of our educational institutions, is sparking more division than unity, messing with minds and putting a speed bump on the road to intellectual discovery. After enduring what many perceive as years of heavy-handedness by the Democrats, the tide is turning.
Auburn University is leading the charge by announcing it'll be shutting down its diversity, equity, and inclusion department come August 15. This makes Auburn the fifth Alabama university to make such a move. This decision didn't just pop out of nowhere—it's in direct response to Alabama's fresh legislation that puts a big red stop sign on public schools and state universities from supporting DEI programs.
Following closely in Auburn's footsteps, the University of Alabama system also said goodbye to their DEI departments across three campuses. Instead of waving farewell to their staff, they're being redeployed into roles that focus more on academic support and student-led initiatives—think free speech promotion and fostering civil discourse.
With around 33,000 students calling it home, Auburn stands as Alabama's second-largest uni. They've made it clear that while some folks will be fitting into new vacancies, others will be diving into roles designed to amp up student recruitment and success. "We remain resolute in our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and support all students," says Auburn's announcement. They're all about ensuring access and opportunity remains front and center.
It's not just Auburn waving goodbye to DEI offices; Jacksonville State University is also joining the bandwagon in line with SB 129—a bill Governor Kay Ivey put her signature on back in March. Governor Ivey didn't mince words when she expressed her refusal to let "a few bad actors" use DEI as a vehicle for pushing what she sees as a liberal agenda with taxpayer dollars.
SB 129 isn't just about shutting down DEI offices; it brings other changes too—like keeping biological men out of women’s restrooms by making sure restrooms are designated based on biological sex at public higher education institutions. Plus, it blocks schools from forcing anyone—be it students or staff—to agree with what it calls “divisive concepts.” These are defined as ideas suggesting people should face discrimination or unfair treatment based on race, color, religion or sex among others.
Set to roll out on October 1st, this law does leave room for DEI topics to be discussed academically in classrooms—as long as there’s no compulsion involved.
So there you have it—a significant shift in how things are done in Alabama’s educational sphere. It’s clear this new direction has sparked plenty of conversation about where we’re headed in terms of fostering diversity and inclusion while respecting differing viewpoints in our society.
It seems this brand of thinking, which has been woven into the fabric of our educational institutions, is sparking more division than unity, messing with minds and putting a speed bump on the road to intellectual discovery. After enduring what many perceive as years of heavy-handedness by the Democrats, the tide is turning.
Auburn University is leading the charge by announcing it'll be shutting down its diversity, equity, and inclusion department come August 15. This makes Auburn the fifth Alabama university to make such a move. This decision didn't just pop out of nowhere—it's in direct response to Alabama's fresh legislation that puts a big red stop sign on public schools and state universities from supporting DEI programs.
Following closely in Auburn's footsteps, the University of Alabama system also said goodbye to their DEI departments across three campuses. Instead of waving farewell to their staff, they're being redeployed into roles that focus more on academic support and student-led initiatives—think free speech promotion and fostering civil discourse.
With around 33,000 students calling it home, Auburn stands as Alabama's second-largest uni. They've made it clear that while some folks will be fitting into new vacancies, others will be diving into roles designed to amp up student recruitment and success. "We remain resolute in our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and support all students," says Auburn's announcement. They're all about ensuring access and opportunity remains front and center.
It's not just Auburn waving goodbye to DEI offices; Jacksonville State University is also joining the bandwagon in line with SB 129—a bill Governor Kay Ivey put her signature on back in March. Governor Ivey didn't mince words when she expressed her refusal to let "a few bad actors" use DEI as a vehicle for pushing what she sees as a liberal agenda with taxpayer dollars.
SB 129 isn't just about shutting down DEI offices; it brings other changes too—like keeping biological men out of women’s restrooms by making sure restrooms are designated based on biological sex at public higher education institutions. Plus, it blocks schools from forcing anyone—be it students or staff—to agree with what it calls “divisive concepts.” These are defined as ideas suggesting people should face discrimination or unfair treatment based on race, color, religion or sex among others.
Set to roll out on October 1st, this law does leave room for DEI topics to be discussed academically in classrooms—as long as there’s no compulsion involved.
So there you have it—a significant shift in how things are done in Alabama’s educational sphere. It’s clear this new direction has sparked plenty of conversation about where we’re headed in terms of fostering diversity and inclusion while respecting differing viewpoints in our society.
