Mississippi Universities Revamp Diversity Programs Amid Critiques on Effectiveness and Focus

Jackson, Mississippi: Universities Restructure Diversity Programs Amid Concerns

In response to ongoing scrutiny, three Mississippi universities — Mississippi State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, and The University of Mississippi — have decided to rebrand their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) divisions. This move comes after some officials raised questions about the effectiveness and focus of these programs.

In 2023, Mississippi Auditor Shad White expressed worries regarding the DEI efforts at state universities, stating that these divisions may not be fulfilling their intended purpose. White’s report highlighted what he called “controversial ideology” being funded with taxpayer money. He pointed out that some DEI sessions have brought forth divisive themes like attributing racism to “virtually all White people,” which he argued could further fracture social cohesion.

White remarked, “I have real concerns about what DEI staff may be teaching or doing at our taxpayer-funded universities.” He wished for students to be taught a unified message of treating everyone equally, regardless of race, rather than being subjected to what he termed the “evils of whiteness.”

Calls for change have been on the rise. In the 2024 legislative session, Senator Angela Hill attempted to pass a bill that would cut funding for these DEI divisions, highlighting statistics from the auditor’s report. She pointed out that a striking 70% of DEI funds were dominated by employee salaries instead of student scholarships, while concurrently noting a concerning drop in minority enrollment at Mississippi universities.

Despite these concerns, the three universities have chosen to refine their approach to DEI, though names and branding have changed. Mississippi State University, in particular, argued against the auditor’s findings. Sid Salter, the university’s Chief Communications Officer, stated, “What Shad White describes on the political stump is not what we’re doing at Mississippi State University.”

Universities React to Changes

While the auditor lays out his concerns, the universities involved have taken a different approach. They assert that their initiatives are aimed at creating valuable resources for a variety of student groups including veterans, first-generation students, and those transitioning out of foster care.

Ole Miss, on the other hand, explained that their new division’s redesign is partially in response to a steady decline in high school graduates from Mississippi enrolling in college. University officials insist that this restructuring also aims to tackle issues surrounding access to higher education for students in the state.

The Future of DEI Programs

As these universities pivot their DEI strategies, critical voices continue to call for changes. Both Senator Hill and Representative Becky Currie have announced plans to refile proposals to defund these divisions amidst ongoing debates about their value and effectiveness.

In conclusion, while the rebranding initiative might suggest a fresh start, Auditor White remains skeptical about whether the core activities of these DEI offices will truly change. He expressed concern about the label change possibly being superficial, noting, “My big concern is that they’re changing their name, but they’re not going to change anything that they’re doing.”

The conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to be crucial for Mississippi’s universities. As they work to align their missions with their rebranded identities, only time will tell whether these changes will lead to the positive outcomes they intend to achieve.