The UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees has decided to redirect $2.3 million originally allocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to enhance public safety on campus. This decision was made during a special meeting, with the board voting unanimously in favor of what was termed a “flex cut amendment.”
Marty Kotis, vice chair of the board’s budget and finance committee, criticized DEI programs as “discriminatory and divisive,” although he did not provide specific instances to support his claim. He expressed a preference for promoting “unity and togetherness” and “diversity of thought” over the existing DEI initiatives.
UNC's trustees just voted to defund the DEI department and direct it to campus police.
Board trustee Marty Kotis explains his vote, citing the recent American flag incident on campus:pic.twitter.com/L85U9rXVZ1
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) May 13, 2024
The reallocation of funds follows recent events on campus, including pro-Palestinian demonstrations that led to the detainment of over 30 individuals by police. These protests involved significant property disruptions, including the removal of the U.S. flag. Kotis highlighted these incidents to justify the need for increased public safety funding.
The decision has sparked controversy, with some local town council members from Chapel Hill and Carrboro criticizing the university’s police response to the demonstrations. They argued that the administration’s approach escalated tensions and led to unnecessary use of force, such as pepper spraying students.
This funding shift comes as the UNC Board of Governors considers a policy change that could end the requirement for DEI offices at all public universities in North Carolina. The outcome of this proposal is pending a vote by the full Board of Governors. If approved, universities will have until September of the current year to plan reductions in DEI initiatives.