By: Lauren Burgess
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Recent possible changes at the federal level regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are drawing attention at the state level.
An executive order from the current administration aimed to end DEI programs, with claims that the former administration used “illegal and immoral discrimination programs going by the name ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion,’ into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government,” -The White House.
President Donald Trump’s administration’s order specifically targets DEI programs within federal agencies.
Spring 2024 and Spring 2025 Pie Chart Comparisons of Student Enrollment by Ethnic/Racial Backgrounds
This semester, more than 7,000 students at the University of Arkansas (U of A) come from minority ethnic and racial backgrounds. This is an 8% increase from last year.
The Chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Charles J. Robinson, said, “The university will continue its commitment to inclusive excellence for all.”
“If we treat everybody with that level of customer service, that level of care and concern, we will create the type of campus that we know we want,” said Robinson.
A few years ago, the Chancellor said the university proactively developed a plan to support students, faculty, and staff by aligning resources to help them achieve their goals.
“The most important one is student success, so we’re asking colleges to address the concerns that I’ve laid out,” said Robinson. “How do we better ensure that our students are successful, that they have the skills they need, and that they have a sense of belonging?”
While the federal government could make changes to DEI programs, employees at the university’s multicultural center are dedicated to supporting students, ensuring they feel included, and ultimately wanting the best for all students.
Anthony DiNicola, coordinator of cultural communities, said, “How do we help support students’ success, feeling a sense of belonging here at the institution, and being a stopgate between, because we are able to create a safe place where students feel empowered and welcomed.”
The multicultural center, located on the fourth floor of the Union, is a student-centered intersectional space that affirms difference and explores shared humanity through cultural celebrations, visual and performing arts events, educational forums, and partnerships that build and nurture community.
As a state institution, not a federal one, the U of A remains aware of the developments happening to DEI at the national level.
While federal policies may shift, institutions like the U of A “continue to prioritize student success and equal opportunity for all,” said Robinson.
“All of our students are inherently equal to us,” said Robinson. “It means that we value them, they belong, they are a part of our Razorback family.”
Last month, a federal judge blocked President Trump’s administration’s executive order, ruling that it “violates free speech.”
This will give time for the attorney general to investigate and report on DEI initiatives and practices.
Right now, there is a house bill (1512) in the state legislature, part of it, discussing DEI and how it could impact the future of state-funded colleges and universities.