Auburn University will dissolve its Office of Inclusion and Diversity by Aug. 15, officials announced Monday.
Auburn is the fifth state college to close its diversity office after Gov. Kay Ivey signed a law banning DEI programs and the teaching of certain “divisive concepts” this spring. Colleges have until Oct. 1 to ensure they’re in compliance with the law.
Staff members will be reassigned to other departments and vacant roles, officials said.
“Throughout this process, it was critical that we respected our AU colleagues affected by this change,” Auburn University Provost Vini Nathan and Senior Vice Presidents Kelli Shomakeer and Bobby Woodard said in a letter to students and staff Monday morning.
“Some colleagues will fill existing vacancies, while others will assume new roles in existing offices to assist with student recruitment, admissions or to support student success and student organizations. Depending on their responsibilities, they will report to the Office of Enrollment Management, Division of Student Affairs or the Office of the Provost.”
Auburn’s …