High Point University faculty left anxious, confused amid changing response to DEI orders

High Point University officials are backtracking after calling for a list of words including “transgender,” “diversity,” and “advocacy” to be removed from public-facing documents.

This was an attempt to comply with new executive orders ending Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, but it has caused anxiety and confusion among faculty. 

The list was shared a couple of weeks ago, right after the federal government canceled nearly $18 million in grant funding for the school, as part of a larger effort to end DEI initiatives. 

In a statement provided to WFDD, High Point University officials say the list was based on words the National Science Foundation and other agencies recommend avoiding to prevent further funding cuts. 

But on March 2, school officials rescinded their instructions. In an email to academic leaders on campus, HPU Provost Daniel Erb apologized for any confusion or inconvenience, and said “the concern about the language that is used is no longer a focus.”

Instead, he said the priority should be ensuring program qualifications and requirements aren’t discriminatory. Still, he added the process of complying with executive orders “continues to remain fluid.” 

But the change in instructions and lack of further guidance have caused anxiety and confusion for some faculty members. 

A professor who asked to remain anonymous due to concerns about job security says educators were panicking, wondering how they could teach core concepts of their classes without using those forbidden words. 

Even now, they say there are concerns about how safe it is to carry on teaching as usual, and that many faculty members don’t feel protected. 

“Am I one student videotaping me in the classroom and posting it out there away from getting kicked out, getting sacked, because I've drawn unwanted attention to the institution?” they said. 

The professor says faculty are also worried about minority and LGBTQ+ students, and how they and others can support them.

In a statement, High Point University says it remains committed to “supporting student success and complying with federal law.” 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.