Universities in North Carolina Alter Mission Statements Following Repeal of DEI Mandates

Charlotte, North Carolina – Universities Revise Mission Statements After DEI Mandates Repealed

Last week, the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina (UNC) system approved changes to the mission statements of two universities: UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington. This decision comes in the wake of the Board’s repeal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates in May, which stipulated that universities adhere to a new policy requiring “institutional neutrality.” This policy limits the ability of campuses to take positions on political or social issues.

Who Made the Changes?

The changes were approved during a meeting held on Thursday. The adjustments to the mission statements were authorized without any discussion. Prior to this, a committee had reviewed and approved the revisions during a virtual meeting on November 7.

What Changed?

At UNC Charlotte, the university’s mission statement previously referred to it as “a diverse and inclusive institution.” The new statement no longer includes that language. Similarly, UNC Wilmington updated its mission statement by removing the phrase indicating its “culture” reflected key values including “diversity.”

When Did This Happen?

The mission statement changes were officially discussed and approved during the Board of Governors meeting held on November 17. The decision to alter UNC Wilmington’s statement had been under consideration for over a year, with its Board of Trustees endorsing the change in July 2023.

Why Were the Changes Made?

The change at UNC Wilmington was described by spokesperson Sydney Bouchelle as part of a strategic planning process, beginning as early as the fall of 2021. She stated that the statement reflected “institutional and UNC system priorities.” When questioned about the removal of the diversity reference, Bouchelle clarified that it was not tied to the DEI repeal. In contrast, UNC Charlotte acknowledged that the shift in its mission statement was a response to the new policy mandated by the UNC System.

Implications of the Policy Changes

The new guidelines, commonly referred to as the equality policy, do not expressly prohibit DEI efforts within universities. However, since the implementation of this policy, many DEI offices have been shuttered, and dozens of jobs related to DEI have been cut or altered significantly across the system.

Context of Changes Across the UNC System

UNC Charlotte appears to be the only university in the 17-campus UNC system specifically changing its mission statement to comply with the DEI repeal. Other universities, including Appalachian State University and East Carolina University, also do not mention diversity in their mission statements. However, some campuses like UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina A&T State University continue to emphasize diversity and inclusion within their core missions.

Future Considerations

Despite removing the mention of diversity, representatives from both UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington emphasize their commitment to welcoming students from various backgrounds and ensuring a respectful community. Jackson, from UNC Charlotte, highlighted that the university will continue to serve students of all backgrounds, fostering an environment of respect.

The mission statement changes at both universities may indicate a significant shift in how campuses approach DEI ideals and reflect the broader implications of the UNC system’s new policy. Stakeholders within the universities are now left to navigate this changing landscape.