More campus DEI offices shut down in Alabama, Missouri, and Iowa ahead of fall semester

Diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at universities in Alabama , Missouri , and Iowa are shutting down ahead of the fall semester as more schools respond to laws barring the ideology.

Auburn University announced Monday evening that it would be dissolving its DEI office by Aug. 15, following an announcement last week that the entire University of Alabama system would close DEI offices at its three schools as well.

The moves from the Alabama schools come after Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL) signed a bill in March that outlawed school events and programs that require certain racial or sexual check marks in order to participate. The bill also bars racial or sexual discrimination through favoritism and teaching that "meritocracy or traits such as hard work ethic are racist or sexist." All public schools in the state are required to comply by Oct. 1.

While Auburn has not yet announced future plans for offices with similar goals as a DEI office, the University of Alabama system did, simply moving DEI chief Dr. Christine Taylor, whose title was vice president and associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, to helm the newly formed Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success.

Schools across the country facing legislative DEI bans have made similar moves, simply moving employees and renaming offices that will ultimately continue to inject DEI ideology into the operation of the university.

The University of Missouri announced Tuesday that it would also be shutting down its DEI division, coming after the school's DEI Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson announced he would be departing the school in August.

Mizzou President Mun Choi held a press conference Tuesday announcing a reorganization of the office. In a written statement, Choi said, "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. These responses included the elimination of diversity hiring statements; the ending of race-conscious admissions and scholarships; and ensuring that inclusion means inclusion for all."

Last week, thanking Gipson for his service, Choi said the two would be speaking about how to keep DEI alive at the school, while responding to political pressure to get rid of the ideology. Choi said no employees will lose their job.

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Last week, Iowa State University closed its DEI offices following recommendations from the Board of Regents and state lawmakers, cutting five positions total, though three were already vacant.

The closure followed directives from the board to eliminate DEI offices and restructure them. The directives were passed in the state legislature as well, which added punishments for violations. The law barred DEI offices, DEI-specific employees, and DEI spending, except when the spending is required for accreditation or by law.