Tracking the Removal of DEI in Higher Education

In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced significant challenges across higher education in the United States. In North Carolina, the University of North Carolina (UNC) System's Board of Governors repealed its DEI policy in 2024, resulting in the elimination of 59 DEI-related positions across its 17 campuses. At UNC-Chapel Hill, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion was shut down, marking a major victory for those advocating for a merit-based, politically neutral approach to education.

Nationwide, similar efforts are gaining momentum, with President Donald Trump leading the charge against DEI. Legislative action has also played a role in rolling back DEI, with states like North Carolina introducing bills to ban political litmus tests in university hiring and admissions. (Find a DEI Legislation Tracker here). As more institutions move away from DEI, these changes aim to restore academic excellence to higher education.

The information below was compiled from the Chronicle of Higher Education. Read more about each individual institution HERE.