The Board of Regents’ decision to eliminate all references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from university policies came after Trump’s administration warned institutions to remove race-based policies or risk losing federal funding.
Students and faculty at the University of Alaska strongly opposed this decision. Under the new directive, the university must revise job titles, websites, and publications to remove words like diversity, equity, inclusion, and affirmative action.
The board stated that it aims to ensure compliance with federal laws while promoting equal opportunity. However, faculty and students argue that the sudden University of Alaska DEI language removal move limits free speech, weakens support systems for minority students, and was made without proper consultation.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Faculty Senate President Abel Bult-Ito criticized the board’s decision, calling it an infringement on First Amendment rights. He said removing DEI language from university material effectively silences discussions about diversity.
Student organizations also condemned the board’s lack of transparency, noting that a federal judge issued an injunction on the same day against the executive order that drove the policy change. Board of Regents Chair Ralph Seekins defended the decision, stating that the university would face potential financial consequences if it failed to comply.
He pointed to a February 14 US Department of Education letter warning institutions against considering race in hiring, scholarships, and student programs. Seekins argued that the university remains committed to non-discrimination and open access.
The Coalition of Student Leaders passed a resolution demanding that DEI-related student services remain intact and that the board justify its legal stance. Faculty leaders across the university system also expressed frustration, calling the decision a rushed response to political pressure.
Students and faculty continue to urge the board to reverse the removal of the University of Alaska DEI language, arguing that it undermines its mission and commitment to diversity.
This news article was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
