Local universities back to drawing board after DEI backlash
Faculty and staff at Northwest Missouri State University received word that changes are on the way for the diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the school on Monday.
Officials say there are no immediate plans to move the space and activities and staff members were informed their jobs are secure.
However, the circulation of this email has sparked backlash from some students.
“The students had no idea that this was going to happen. So, from my perspective, it’s just kind of like a slap in the face,” Carter Stancil, a Northwest graduate said.
With about 13% of its student body considered underrepresented, Stancil said DEI is not only for those students but for everyone to learn about other cultures.
“The whole point of DEI includes everyone,” Stancil said.
Dr. Mark Hornickel Communications Manager for Northwest said the contents of the email are being reevaluated by President Lance Tatum and others with every student in mind.
“We’re trying to reach students and talk through all those things to help them understand, the broader goals and vision of all this,” Hornickel said.
Hornickel said the physical space for DEI at Northwest will remain and a new image of the program will be recreated so that all students feel welcome.
According to data from a YouGov poll 45% of Americans are in favor of ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools and government with 40% opposed.
Under similar circumstances, senior faculty with Missouri Western State University were contacted on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Officials declined to comment on camera, however, a written statement was provided by Kent Heier, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications for MWSU.
Vice president and Dean of Students for MWSU, Dr. Robert Goltra provided an on-camera statement in May 2024 about the status of DEI.
“We will follow those policies and rules, but on the other side we also like to take a look at the student development piece and be representative of what our students are asking for and what they need,” Goltra said.
Both universities appear to be back at the drawing board to find what’s best for students, while also noting they will be subject to policies the federal government passes down.
“So, we’re watching all of that, monitoring it and trying to figure out how to keep Northwest aligned and continue our success and progress going forward,” Hornickel said.
The changes are recent, so at this time, its a waiting game for staff and students at both universities to see the ultimate fate of DEI.
“When you have this collective group of people who are very talented, regardless of race, sexuality, gender, regardless, it is proven to be much more profitable,” Stancil said.
