MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho announced it will no longer support DEI programs at the university.
According to an email sent to student and staff, U of I said that they will be implementing changes to its student support services in response to a new resolution passed by the Idaho State Board of Education. The resolution, which passed on Dec. 18, requires that university programs no longer serve students based on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) ideology.
As part of this transition, the university will close several offices within its Equity and Diversity Unit by the start of the spring semester, including the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Diversity Center, the Black/African American Cultural Center, the LGBTQA Office and the Women’s Center. The university said that these employees from these offices will be reassigned to other roles at the university.
The university said that while the new resolution mandates changes to some services, it will still allow the Native American Center and the College Assistance Migrant Program to continue their operations.
U of I said near the end of the email that they will have a new violence prevention and education office, which will combine efforts across the campus to support victims of interpersonal violence and lead prevention initiatives.
University leadership emphasized the importance of evolving student support systems to meet both student needs and the state’s political expectations. In preparation for these changes, the university held meetings with students and staff starting in November to discuss the adjustments and maintain transparency throughout the process.
“This is an ongoing process of growth and adaptation. We are committed to a cycle of innovation, evaluation and improvement, evolving our approach to meet student needs and meet the requirements set by the State Board of Education. While these are significant changes to our culture and will be hard for many members of our Vandal Family, our focus and care for students and the dedicated employees who support them remains at the center of all decisions. All students are welcome at U of I,” the email said
The university said that students affected by the changes are asked to contact the Counseling and Mental Health Center at 208-885-6716, or to file a VandalCARE report for additional support.
