The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has eliminated its Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI) as part of a restructuring effort that saved $1.5 million, which will now be used to directly support students. The move follows a mandate from the UNC Board of Governors to focus on non-discrimination, institutional neutrality and student success.
As part of the restructuring, 16 permanent DEI positions, including the Chief Diversity Officer and the directors of various cultural centers, were cut. The funds saved will be used to create new positions in student retention and enrollment, as well as increase need-based financial aid for students.
A UNCW spokesperson emphasized that the university’s cultural and identity centers have been moved to the Division of Student Affairs, where they will benefit from the support of 188 staff members. This change aims to enhance their ability to serve students more effectively by integrating them into a larger division with greater resources.
This decision is part of a growing trend in higher education, with universities like the University of Florida also eliminating DEI positions due to state legislation. These moves reflect an increasing focus on reallocating resources toward direct student services rather than diversity programming.
