University of South Alabama closes DEI office after passage of anti-DEI law

The University of South Alabama (USA) will eliminate its DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) offices, becoming the latest state school to retreat from the programs amid a new state law.

USA President Jo Bonner announced in a letter to the university community on Aug. 2 that the university closed its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion after the Alabama Legislature last spring approved a bill that limited the use of public funds for DEI offices.

“Although the law does not take effect until Oct. 1, we are moving thoughtfully and deliberately to ensure we are fully in compliance prior to that date while, at the same time, supporting students, faculty and staff through this process. We join other universities across the state in making changes,” he said in the letter.

Webpages and information for USA’s DEI initiative had been taken down by Monday afternoon. 

Lance Crawford, director of media relations, said that two positions are being eliminated as a result of the new law.

“Both employees will be encouraged to apply for open positions within the University,” he said in an email

Bonner’s letter said the university would “expand” engagement efforts “through volunteerism, service learning and community-based research.”

“These efforts will continue to be supported by our Office of Community Engagement, led by Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley as its vice president,” he wrote.

A message seeking comment was left with Billingsley.

Crawford did not answer questions about whether USA would attempt to replace the program. The University of Alabama system announced a successor office after closing its DEI program. Auburn, which also closed its DEI office, did not announce a new office but said employees would be reassigned to roles within the university. 

Bonner said in the letter that the new law “does not diminish our commitment to academic freedom or to furthering a culture of belonging and respect.”

SB 129, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, limited the use of public funds for DEI and limited the ability of public employees to discuss so-called “divisive concepts.” A person violating the act could face discipline or lose their job.

The student body at the University of South Alabama is 62% white, 21% Black, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, 4% two or more races, 0.6% Native American or Alaska Native, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders. These figures include full-time, part-time, graduate, and undergraduate students.

The population in Alabama is 64% white, 26% Black, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, .7 Native American or Alaska Native and 1.5% Asian.

Bonner said that university officials have been preparing “to work through any logistics and concerns” for months before the new law takes effect Oct. 1.

“I remain grateful to all who have helped in this transition and confident in the success we will achieve by taking deliberate action to engage, educate and advance as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast,” he wrote.