NKU will be dissolving its Office of Inclusive Excellence effective immediately, President Cady Short-Thompson announced via a university-wide email on Aug. 29.
Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Darryl Peal made the decision to step down, the email said, and as such the president decided to disband the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
This comes a week after the University of Kentucky made a similar move on Aug. 20.
“The circumstances under which universities across the commonwealth and the country find themselves, coupled with the legislative priorities of state leaders for the upcoming session, require universities to change,” Short-Thompson wrote.
Earlier in the year, legislation that sought to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) services, diversity training and more was introduced in Kentucky. While the legislation ultimately did not pass, there were discussions that similar bills would come through during the next session. UK President Eli Capilouto said Kentucky policymakers believed the university was stifling political discussion by focusing too much on students’ identities.
The Northerner reported on UK’s decision, and on Aug. 22, Short-Thompson said in a statement that NKU celebrates “differing viewpoints and perspectives” and values diversity.
At that time, The Northerner spoke with two NKU students who feared that UK’s decision would set a precedent at universities across the state.
“It is setting a precedent that public universities will bow to the whim of the most radical Republicans,” senior James Renton said.
On Aug. 29, Short-Thompson said that administrators will engage with faculty, staff and students in the coming weeks to explore ways to make NKU welcoming and supportive.
Chief Human Resources Officer Lori Southwood will serve as the coordinator of Title IX in the meantime.
“Helping students of all backgrounds to flourish is everyone’s job at NKU and our undeniable commitment to our students’ success remains strong,” Short-Thompson said.
The Northerner will continue providing updates on this breaking news story as they become available.