UNC Charlotte announced sweeping changes in its diversity, equity and inclusion programming Thursday, including the elimination of three offices.

The school’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Identity, Equity and Engagement and Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion all closed as part of the move — though university officials say no one was fired as a result. Instead, 11 employees were reassigned to new positions.

The shift comes after the University of North Carolina System in May repealed its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, when all but two members of the UNC System Board of Trustees voted to restore the policy originally adopted in 2019.

What is DEI?

Attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, often referred to as “DEIs,” began gaining traction in early 2023. Conservative politicians targeted policies aimed at attracting and retaining candidates of color at universities, businesses, and government agencies. Since then, 85 anti-DEI bills targeting programs at colleges have been enacted in 28 states, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

While proponents of DEI programs say they are a strategy to correct the injustices of decades of exclusionary practices, opponents say they discriminate against white Americans and violate the First Amendment.

UNC System President Peter Hans said the change was motivated by the university’s duty to remain neutral in political matters.

“We have well-established laws and policies that prohibit discrimination, protect equal opportunity and require a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” Hans said in a written statement this May. “We will continue to uphold this responsibility.”

What will changes look like at UNC Charlotte?

The UNC System’s previous policy called for the hiring of a diversity and inclusion officer at each of the system’s 17 schools and the creation of a UNC System Diversity and Inclusion Council. It has been replaced with a new one titled “Equality within the University of North Carolina.”

The new policy “requires offices and positions at all system institutions to adhere to institutional neutrality, refrain from coercing the speech of others, and refrain from promoting political or social ideas through education or required beliefs,” UNC Charlotte Provost Jennifer Troyer and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kevin Bailey wrote in a letter to students and faculty on Thursday. “In particular, it does not allow any institution in the system to have offices that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Under the new policy, the university is not allowed to promote a particular set concept related to race and gender, nor include them in any form of employee training.

The new policy still allows faculty to make decisions about research design and course materials.

Students and student organizations are still allowed to engage in political and social advocacy as long as they do not speak on behalf of the university.

“UNC Charlotte is committed to creating a culture of belonging for everyone, from all backgrounds and identities,” a university spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Observer. “The university’s care and concern for its students remains unchanged, as do student organizations, which help students build community and identity with others.”

Money previously allocated to diversity, equity and inclusion will now be diverted to “student success,” which includes improving graduation rates, graduation efficiency, and student mental health and well-being. The University will continue to allow identity-based mentoring, programming and support as long as they are aligned with student success initiatives.