I feel sadness for those students: UAB students reacting to the closing of DEI Office [Video]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham both announced the closing of their schools’ diversity, equity and inclusion offices on Tuesday.

Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill earlier this year banning state funding of DEI programs at public schools, universities, and state agencies.

UAB tells WBRC, “In accordance with SB129, UAB has closed the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Additional compliance efforts will be ongoing, and we will be fully compliant with Alabama Act 2024-34 (SB 129) when it goes into effect on October 1.”

UAB students say the DEI office, and the many programs underneath that umbrella, were created to bring extra help, attention, and resources to groups that feel underrepresented. Now they worry about what could be to come.

Miguel Luna is an upcoming junior at who helped create Esperanza at UAB for Hispanic and Latino students. He said when Gov. Ivey signed …