Many SEC schools have closed their DEI offices in recent years.
The University of Texas, which will play in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia on Saturday, is based in a state with a law outlawing DEI. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the law in January, closing DEI offices at all universities in the state.
Currently, there is little evidence of diversity-related offices or initiatives at the University of Texas. Following the passage of the law, the university issued a statement to ensure compliance.
“The University has taken the necessary steps to comply with the law and UT System policies. Careful and ongoing efforts are required to ensure the University's continued compliance.” statement read.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Texas' opponent, Georgia, is one of many schools in the conference that does not have a DEI office, but does have something similar.
Last August, the University System of Georgia (USG) voted to ban the use of DEI statements in hiring, and universities across the state were also ordered to stop using DEI language in their training standards. Then, in November of this year, the USG proposed taking things even further with stricter policy revisions.
According to the latest policy revision, “ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths that include statements about diversity” are now prohibited from admissions procedures and decisions.
The “foundations and determinants” of employment are now defined as “the individual has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the role and is capable of successfully performing the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the job.” “It is thought that there is.” The position for which the individual is being considered. ”
However, the university boasts an office called the “Office of Inclusive Excellence.” One of the goals of this office is to “increase enrollment of underrepresented students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.”
In the university's athletic department, that office is represented by Dr. Courtney Gay, assistant athletic director for inclusive excellence and strategic engagement. she previous title She served as Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
First expanded CFP slot begins to take shape as Boise State wins Mountain West Championship
The University of Arkansas is in a similar situation. Arkansas closed its DEI office in April 2023. But the university's athletic department has maintained its commitment to diversity through Hogs United, an advocacy group for student-athletes and coaches. According to the group's website, the group focuses on the areas of recruitment and retention.
“Focus areas include recruiting and retaining talent from marginalized and underserved groups, communicating messaging from Athletics on diversity and inclusion themes, and collaborating with human resources managers and Title IX officers; and the continuation and support of related research on topics of diversity and inclusion in athletics,” the website states.
Arkansas is one of the states with a large number of SEC schools that could face further DEI restrictions in the coming years. Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Jonesboro Republican and co-chair of the Arkansas Legislature's Higher Education Subcommittee, announced last August that DEI research would be completed by the end of 2024, with the intention of introducing legislation during the 2025 legislative session. He requested that it be completed. arkansas defender.
Louisiana State University is one of many schools that removed all DEI language from university websites and mission statements earlier this year. However, the athletic department has a committee called the Athletic Culture Promotion Council.
One of the council's goals is to “bring team members together to foster an atmosphere that seeks and fosters diverse perspectives while promoting equity and inclusion.”
DEI as a concept came to the public's attention in 2024 as dedicated DEI offices in the public and private sectors closed to cut costs.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, CriticalRace.org Editor-in-Chief Kemberly Keiley, who recently released a report highlighting the lingering impact of DEI at SEC schools, said she is hearing from parents at these schools how DEI efforts are being supported. He said he has received countless complaints about the impact. affected their families.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We've seen a huge increase in this ideology being promoted across the board,” Currie said. “I don’t think this fosters camaraderie on a team or in athletics.”
Universities aren't the only ones cutting back on DEI efforts, with President-elect Trump pledging during his campaign to eliminate DEI programs at federal agencies. In 2020, then-President Trump issued an executive order banning “divisive” training for federal contractors. And the House Oversight Committee held a hearing last month on dismantling DEI policies.
Over the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has encouraged DEI efforts across several sectors of the nation. federal government. In 2021, President Biden expanded an executive order directing government agencies to measure and “remove barriers” to equal opportunity through DEI policies. Another executive order signed that year was a government-wide effort to incorporate DEI principles into federal employment.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast, and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
