UNCW students protest to support diversity, equity, and inclusion policy [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Students with UNCW’s Black Student Union are trading their pens and pencils for paintbrushes.

On Monday, leaders with the BSU organized a peaceful protest, speaking up against a vote earlier this month by the University of North Carolina Governance Committee to repeal and replace its diversity, equity, and inclusion policy.

The policy has been in place since 2019 and is meant to ensure educational opportunities for people from all walks of life.

Aaliya Smith, President of the Black Student Union, says potentially losing the Office of DEI on campus makes her feel hopeless. She told WECT the reason for organizing the march.

“It didn’t seem like we had a lot of hope. It didn’t feel like people were looking out for us in the meetings and the conversations. It felt like we didn’t have anyone to stand for us. So, I just need everyone to know. I just need …