University of Missouri eliminates DEI leadership position amid political pressure
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri will no longer have a vice chancellor specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives after pressure from Republican lawmakers.
University of Missouri President Mun Choi spoke to reporters Tuesday afternoon about eliminating the university's Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in the face of Republican attacks on what has become known as DEI.
The news conference comes after Maurice Gipson, the vice-chancellor of the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, announced he would be leaving in August.
Choi said in a written statement Tuesday morning that employees in the division will now report to other staff members.
"In the Missouri Legislature, 13 pieces of DEI legislation were introduced during the past two years," Choi's statement says. "Our proactive responses played a role in averting the passage of these bills. These responses included the elimination of diversity hiring statements; the ending of race-conscious admissions and scholarships; and ensuring that inclusion means inclusion for all."
The reorganization will take effect Aug. 15.
Last week, Choi released a statement thanking Gipson for his work at MU. The statement said Gipson will leave MU on Aug. 15 to work at Philander Smith University.
Choi said he and Gipson have talked about a path forward for inclusion, diversity and equity programs at MU.
Meanwhile, MU's Legion of Black Collegians posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday saying the university's Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity will no longer exist beginning on Aug. 15. It said all student-led organizations under this division will now belong to the Division of Student Affairs.
While the student group thanked Choi's willingness to include them in conversations about these changes, it also said lawmakers' efforts to frame DEI work as misinformation diminishes accountability.
"With a thorough understanding of the current political climate, the Legion is increasingly concerned about potential further losses as the school remains fully committed to complying with state laws," the statement said.
This comes as multiple bills in the state legislature have targeted diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
A bill introduced this legislative session by state Sen. Ben Brown (R-Rolla) would have kept any postsecondary public institution from requiring applicants, students, employees or contractors to submit a DEI statement and would prohibit universities from giving preferential treatment in admissions or employment.
That bill was passed through a senate committee but was not passed into law.
The university last summer also stopped providing race-based scholarships after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down
Check back for updates.
