At a student-led protest on Thursday, UNC-Asheville staff and college students said they are shocked and angry North Carolina system leaders might reverse diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus.
As previously reported by WFAE and other outlets, a subcommittee of the University of North Carolina System's Board of Governors proposed a policy change would likely lead to dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices on college campuses. The proposed policy asserts DEI offices and their leaders do not “adhere to and comply with the strictures of institutional neutrality.”
If approved by the full board, officials would be replacing a 2019 system policy that established DEI offices on every campus. The Board of Governors has 24 voting members, elected by the state Senate and House of Representatives. It is responsible for the planning, development and overall governance of the UNC System, which includes 16 public North Carolina universities and the NC School of Science and Mathematics.
The UNCA Student Government Association and the UNCA Black Student Association held a rally on the quad on campus in front of Ramsey Library to voice their stance against the proposal. About 50 people attended.
UNCA Student Body President Alondra Barrera-Hernandez said DEI initiatives are critical.
“It's about recognizing and celebrating the unique perspectives and experiences that each of us bring to this University,” Barrera-Hernandez said.
“It's about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Equity is essential for ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources regardless of their background or circumstances.
“It's about addressing systemic barriers and injustice that marginalized communities have had for far too long.”
A third-year student, Hannah Ettu, said that DEI is for her and for people who look like her.
“I had my first Black professor this semester and I've been here since fall 2022,” she said. “DEI literally lives in me."
Ettu said Black students shouldn’t have to be on the front line of demonstrations like the one held Thursday on campus.
“We all feel that it shouldn't have to be us who's on the front line because we have to fight just like being here every day.”
Ettu pointed out her dismay over Thursday’s low turn-out. “We need to see more participation from people on campus as a whole or else, it's definitely not gonna change…. There’s like 50 people over here when we have a campus of 3,000.”
Elizabeth McCorvey, who works at the health and counseling center at UNCA, said she’s the only Black and queer counselor on campus. McCorvey said she is proud of the students but is disappointed that she didn’t see any upper-level university administrators at the rally.
“I wish they were here to see how important and passionate this topic is to the students and how passionate they are about making this an inclusive space for everybody,” McCorvey said.
“As one of the Black students who went up mentioned, it's already not a welcoming space always for Black and brown students and so for it to be further marginalized by this legislation and this decision is a shame.”
The full Board of Governors is expected to make a decision at a meeting in May.
(BPR Reporter Laura Hackett contributed to the report.)
