Report: UNC System eliminates 59 positions in diversity policy change

(The Center Square) – Fifty-nine positions were eliminated and 131 realigned after the University of North Carolina System changed a diversity policy that ensures “equality of all persons and viewpoints.”

In a report announced prior to the UNC System Board of Governors meeting on Thursday, the 24-member panel has learned total reported savings are $17.1 million and total redirected savings are $16.2 million.

Dismantled was the 2019 policy language to “foster an inclusive environment.” Compliance by the 17-campus network was required by Sept. 1. According to the report , all the campuses had programmatic changes.

The board approved the policy changes 22-2 in May.

UNC Chapel Hill had 20 positions eliminated and 27 realigned. Total redirected savings were more than $5.3 million.

The most realigned positions (29) were at N.C. State. Eight were eliminated. Total savings eclipsed $4.9 million.

Saving more than $1 million each were East Carolina (nearly $1.6 million), UNC Wilmington ($1.4 million), Appalachian State ($1.1 million) and UNC Charlotte ($1 million). Appalachian’s total included $793,768 in unspent savings; it had six positions eliminated and six realigned.

UNC Charlotte had nine positions eliminated and nine realigned.

There were no positions eliminated at UNC School of the Arts, UNC Greensboro, Winston-Salem State or Fayetteville State on the collegiate level, nor at the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics high school.

Fewest changes were at North Carolina A&T – one position eliminated – and Fayetteville State – one position realigned.

There were no savings reported for Fayetteville State’s change; and none for six realigned positions at Winston-Salem State. UNC Greensboro’s six realigned positions had the next-smallest savings ($8,000).