UK is closing its DEI office, but it’s part of a much larger national trend [Video]

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The University of Kentucky is just one of the many universities across the country shuttering their offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Tuesday, UK President Eli Capilouto announced the university’s decision to do so after discussions with lawmakers.

In a campus-wide letter, the president revealed the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) is shutting its doors, and diversity training and diversity statements for staff and faculty will no longer be required.

A new office, the Office for Community Relations, will take the place of OID.

“If we are to be a campus for everyone, we must demonstrate to ourselves and to those who support and invest in us our commitment to the idea that everyone belongs — both in what we say and in what we do,” Capilouto wrote.

UK is not alone in its decision.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has been tracking anti-DEI legislation and DEI changes at schools across the country.

The …