UNL faculty feel betrayed by decision to dissolve Office of Diversity and Inclusion [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The future of diversity and inclusion is still up in the air at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, nearly three months after it was announced that that office would be dissolved.

On Wednesday, a panel of professors at the university gathered to share their thoughts on the decision, the fallout they’ve already experienced, and what’s next.

Jeannette Jones, an associate professor of history and ethnic studies, said she felt “betrayed” by the university, after leaving to work at another school and returning to UNL two years ago.

“Why is diversity an evil word for some people?” she said. “A lot of people that live in Nebraska value diversity. The way that it’s demonized and talked about has glossed over what it means to celebrate diversity and to fight for inclusion.”

Chancellor Rodney Bennett, who was part of the decision to shut down the office, made an appearance at the panel on Wednesday, but declined to speak with 10/11 about the …