WVU scraps Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division office
West Virginia University in Morgantown has scrapped its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division and is replacing it with a new initiative, keeping in line with the state’s governor who declared an end to DEI offices.
State-owned WVU said the move was in compliance with Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s executive order prohibiting DEI initiatives, which mimicked President Trump’s executive order removing DEI offices from the federal government.
WVU, which is the state’s largest university, said it made the decision after reviewing Morrissey’s executive order.
In its place, WVU said it is complying with the state and federal orders by opening the WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance, with what the university said in a statement was a redefined mission.
The university said it will focus on ensuring WVU adheres to federal and state guidelines, including complying with Title IX and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which is to be its primary focus.
“We continue to work internally with units campuswide as we evaluate the specifics and potential effects the federal and state orders,” said April Kaull, a WVU spokeswoman. Once the review is complete, Kaull said Friday the university will have a better understanding of the impact and will provide more specific, unit-level guidance to the university community.
Spokespersons for the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University could not be reached for comment Friday evening.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.