How are Triad universities responding to new federal orders targeting DEI practices?

Last week, the University of North Carolina System’s General Counsel Andrew Tripp issued a memo to chancellors ordering the suspension of all course requirements related to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

The memo states that the change is needed to comply with President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at ending DEI programs and prevent losing federal funding for research and student aid.

As a result, UNC-Greensboro has removed a three-credit Diversity and Equity general education program requirement, fulfilled by courses on a range of topics like race, gender and disability. Now, students in these classes can either withdraw without penalty, or complete them for elective credit.

UNCG officials say they’re also reviewing degree-specific requirements which may need changes to comply with the new guidance as well. Other Triad universities in the UNC system have been doing the same over the past couple weeks.

For Appalachian State and Winston-Salem State, officials say no modifications are currently necessary. 

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations Todd Simmons says two graduate degree programs were impacted by the new guidance. Two courses that had previously been required for graduation are now electives.

Even outside of the UNC system, a spokesperson for Wake Forest University, a private school, says officials are actively reviewing all executive orders and memos to determine potential impacts on the school’s “community, scholarship and research.”

*Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect new information from N.C. A&T regarding impacted programs.

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