University of Missouri essentially eliminates DEI division in restructuring

Following trends of other publicly funded universities where state governments are Republican controlled, the University of Missouri is reorganizing its Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, essentially eliminating it.

MU President Mun Choi made the announcement Tuesday in a letter to the university community.

Unlike DEI decisions in other states where people lost jobs, leaders within the division are shifting roles to other university departments and divisions, Choi noted. Vice Chancellor Maurice D. Gipson, who had led the IDE division, is leaving MU to become the interim president at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas, however.

The IDE changes will go into effect Aug. 15, when direct IDE-related reports will have new reporting lines other than the vice chancellor.

"This change aligns these departments most closely with their constituents where they will continue to provide important services for students, faculty and staff as part of a comprehensive team," Choi wrote in his letter, earlier noting other actions the university has taken in light of both proposed Missouri legislation and U.S. Supreme court decisions .

This has included eliminating diversity hiring statements, ending race-conscious admissions and scholarships "and ensuring that inclusion means inclusion for all," he wrote.

IDE Division restructuring includes:

• Inclusive Engagement and Constituent Relations led by Erika Aaron will report to the Division of Student Affairs.
• Access and Leadership Development led by NaTashua Davis will report to the Office of the Provost.
• Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives led by Shruti Rana will report to the Office of the Provost.
• Communications led by La Toya Stevens will report to the Division of Marketing and Communications.

More: MU seeks ways to create diverse campus despite Supreme Court ruling on race in admissions

"In the Missouri Legislature, 13 pieces of DEI legislation were introduced during the past two years. Our proactive responses played a role in averting the passage of these bills," Choi wrote, referring to the earlier noted university actions.

"This is a defining period for the University of Missouri, and we must make proactive changes for a sustainable path forward to achieve excellence for all. The path forward must ensure that all students, faculty and staff are welcomed, valued and provided opportunities to succeed," Choi coninued. "With input from Vice Chancellor Gipson, university leaders and various stakeholders, we developed a sustainable plan to achieve this objective."

The reorganization means similar services that were under the IDE division will continue, but now through different streams, Choi added.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on X, formerly Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: University of Missouri essentially eliminates DEI division in restructuring