University of Utah to Close Specialized Student Centers Amid New DEI Law, Prompting Concern and Heartbreak Among Students

Salt Lake City, Utah — As Becket Harris embarked on her collegiate journey at the University of Utah, the institution’s LGBT center quickly became a sanctuary—a place to cultivate friendships, study, and feel accepted without reservations about her transgender identity. That sanctuary, along with other pivotal campus centers, is now facing closure following a statewide rollback on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that is prompting widespread concern among students and educators alike. Harris, 20, expressed her dismay, questioning the future of her campus community. “What am I going to do without my space on campus? … Read more

College Recruiters Outside of Alabama Offer a Welcoming Home for Black Athletes Amid DEI Ban

Birmingham, Alabama – Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama, took to Facebook earlier this year to express his concerns over Alabama’s proposed anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bill. In his post, Mayor Woodfin stated that if the bill became law, he would consider organizing Black parents and athletes to seek educational opportunities outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are valued. On March 20, Alabama Governor Kate Ivey signed SB 129 into law, effectively banning colleges in the state from implementing DEI programs and instruction on “divisive concepts.” Although it remains to be seen … Read more