HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Three of Alabama’s largest universities, including UAH, will close their offices dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This follows a new law that bans DEI programs in public schools and universities.
The University of Alabama System announced on Tuesday that the University of Alabama, UAB, and UAH would be shutting down their DEI programs and related initiatives. The law aims to stop DEI programs and the teaching of “divisive concepts” such as the inherent superiority or inferiority of any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. It also mandates the dismissal of educators who promote DEI policies.
By October 1, all campus activities and resources must go along with Alabama Act 2024-34.
Despite these changes, UAH released a statement showing its commitment to supporting all students, faculty, and staff:
Students are the top priority
UAH attracts a wide array of students from across the United States in rural and urban communities, first-generation college attendees, military, veterans, adult learners and more. UAH’s top priority is to recruit and retain students of all backgrounds and to provide open and equal access to resources and opportunities to achieve success.
UAH has made adjustments that will continually support a welcoming and supportive campus. The University has created a new office to accelerate recruiting and retention strategies and to provide enhanced support to all students. The Office of Access, Connections, and Engagement will focus on the following initiatives to serve all students throughout the collegiate life:
- Choose UAH, a pre-collegiate initiative, where the Office will engage with the UAH Admissions Office to promote the campus to high schools throughout Alabama.
- UAH Today will help all current students to navigate and create connections across the campus community and the greater Huntsville region.
- Finally, Success After UAH will be geared towards helping all students access options after graduation that will lead them to a rewarding future.
To read more about the Office of Access, Connections and Engagement, click here.