Campus Changes: What's Happening in Conservative States?

Nearly a decade ago, the University of Missouri was in turmoil. Protests over racial injustice led to the resignation of top administrators and the hiring of a vice chancellor for inclusion, diversity, and equity. Fast forward to today, that diversity office is gone. This isn't just happening in Missouri. Many states led by conservatives are seeing similar changes. These shifts could be a preview of what's to come nationwide, especially with Donald Trump taking office. Trump has pledged to end what he calls "wokeness" and "leftist indoctrination" in education. He wants to dismantle diversity programs and fine colleges up to their entire endowment. Dozens of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have already closed in states like Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Supports and resources for underrepresented students have disappeared. Some students feel so uncomfortable with the campus climate that they're thinking about dropping out. Conservatives argue that DEI sends the wrong message. They say it makes people feel guilty because of their race or gender. They also point to the student debt crisis as a sign that colleges are out of touch. The New College of Florida is a good example. This tiny liberal arts institution was once a refuge for LGBTQ+ students. But after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis overhauled the school's board, many faculty left and conservative academics took their place. States are also passing laws that ban funding for schools that advocate for "divisive concepts. " In Alabama, for instance, the University of Alabama and Auburn University had to close their DEI offices and LGBTQ+ student spaces. Students feel less safe and welcome on campus. In Idaho, DEI programs have been under attack for years. The State Board of Education even scrapped DEI offices, causing shockwaves at the University of Idaho. Trump has promised a federal crackdown on DEI. The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights could start investigating diversity programs that conservatives say are discriminatory. Colleges are also cutting some programs or majors seen as unprofitable. It's unclear if politics plays a role in these decisions. Many students and faculty are concerned about these changes. They worry that the promise of change that followed earlier protests has faded. They're also worried about the future. "White people might have moved past it, but Black people are still experiencing it, " said Kenny Douglas, a student at the University of Missouri.