To justify the ongoing attack on diversity, equity and inclusion — DEI — the political right insists it is all an effort to restore equality and fairness, regardless of someone’s background or identity — such as race, gender or sexual orientation.
Here in Tennessee, this misguided ideal has turned into public policy. In May, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed two bills into law — the Dismantle DEI Act and the Dismantling DEI Departments Act — which, in tandem, prohibit public institutions from making hiring decisions or operating offices that promote DEI.
The consequences of that latter law have manifested here in Chattanooga. Last week, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga announced, in compliance with this law, that it would dissolve numerous on-campus offices: UTC’s Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Student & Family Engagement and the Prism Center, which provided resources to LGBTQ+ students.
These now-dissolved offices will merge into the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community. The announcement from UTC came in an email that echoed the state GOP supermajority’s supposed intent when passing these laws.
“At UTC, our goal is to make education attainable by ensuring every student has the opportunity to access resources designed to help them learn, grow and thrive,” the email said. “We are committed to excellence that ensures every student, regardless of background, feels they belong, they matter and they can succeed.”