
In a major restructuring, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has cut its Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI), eliminating 16 permanent positions and redirecting $1.5 million toward student-focused initiatives. The decision comes in response to a directive from the UNC Board of Governors aimed at promoting non-discrimination, academic freedom and institutional neutrality.
Among the positions eliminated were the Chief Diversity Officer and several directors overseeing cultural centers. The funds saved will now be used to enhance student engagement and retention efforts, as well as increase financial aid for students in need.
A spokesperson for UNCW stated that the university’s cultural and identity centers will now be part of the Division of Student Affairs, which has a much larger staff and more resources. The move is designed to improve the centers’ ability to support student success by integrating them into a larger division.
This shift follows a broader trend in higher education, with universities like the University of Florida also eliminating DEI positions in response to state mandates. As DEI programs face increased scrutiny, many institutions are redirecting funds to direct student support, reflecting a changing landscape in higher education policy.