UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington Revise Mission Statements

News Summary

The University of North Carolina Charlotte and Wilmington have recently altered their mission statements by removing references to diversity. This change follows the UNC System Board of Governors’ decision to repeal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates. Both institutions are now emphasizing different aspects of their missions, raising questions about the implications for campus culture and DEI efforts. As universities within the UNC system adapt to this new policy, the future of diversity initiatives remains uncertain.

Charlotte and Wilmington Face Changes in Mission Statements

In the vibrant state of North Carolina, higher education institutions are making some headline-grabbing changes. Recently, both UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington received the green light to adjust their mission statements, specifically removing references to diversity. This development has sparked conversations among students, faculty, and community members alike.

What Sparked the Shift?

The alterations came after the UNC System Board of Governors held a meeting where these changes got a swift approval—without any debate or discussion. This move follows the board’s decision to repeal the university system’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates back in May of this year. With the new policy emphasizing institutional neutrality, universities are now restricted from taking sides on various political or social matters.

Mission Statements Get a Makeover

Now, let’s dive into what this means for the mission statements. UNC Charlotte’s former statement prided itself on being a “diverse and inclusive institution.” However, the newly revised mission statements will no longer highlight diversity in their core descriptions. The updated version showcases UNC Charlotte as a leading urban research university, leaving out any mention of diversity.

Over at UNC Wilmington, they made a similar pivot. Previously, their mission highlighted a culture steeped in values like diversity. But with their recent statement, a focus has shifted towards integrating teaching and mentoring with research and service, also omitting any mention of diversity.

Tie to Strategic Planning or DEI Repeal?

Interestingly enough, while UNC Wilmington’s spokesperson claimed this mission statement overhaul was part of a broader strategic planning process that has been in the works since Fall 2021, it raises questions on whether it’s intrinsically linked to the DEI policy repeal. The approval for this change rolled in just a few months after the Board of Governors made its consequential decision.

What’s Happening at Other Universities?

As for the greater UNC System, UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington aren’t alone in their mission statement changes. Several universities within the system are following this trend, opting to sweep diversity references under the rug. Contrarily, institutions like UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina A&T State University have stuck to their guns and retained diversity-related mentions in their mission or vision statements. It seems there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to interpreting the new policy!

A Shift in Campus Culture

These alterations go hand-in-hand with significant changes happening within the UNC System that have already led to the closure of DEI offices and various position eliminations in response to the policy shift. At UNC Charlotte specifically, three DEI-related offices were shut down. This closure resulted in the loss of valuable programs that aimed to promote diversity education and support across campus.

Are These Changes Permanent?

Despite the closures and shifts in terminology, the legal guidance around the new policy does not outright ban efforts related to DEI. So, while mission statements are changing, there’s a sense of uncertainty lingering in the air. Various universities within the UNC system appear to be interpreting this new policy differently. Some are making significant strides away from diversity, while others are staying true to their commitment to it.

What’s Next?

The UNC System Board of Governors plans to keep a close watch on how well these changes are adhered to across the board. With the higher education landscape evolving rapidly, students, staff, and supporters are left to navigate what these mission statement changes might mean for the future of university life in North Carolina.