Auburn University is closing its Office of Diversity and Inclusion in compliance with Senate Bill 129, which prohibits public entities from funding programs based on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The decision, announced to faculty, staff, and students, will not result in any job losses as employees will either fill existing roles or transition to new positions within different departments. The university’s vice provost’s office led an initiative in April to align institutional goals with the new law, which included input from internal and external stakeholders. Senate Bill 129 was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in March and will go into effect on Oct. 1, with violators facing potential termination. Auburn’s DEI office will officially close by Aug. 15, with the university affirming its commitment to ensuring all members of the community are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
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