UPDATE 1/30–

West Virginia University announced on Thursday, Jan. 30 that they will be closing their Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The Daily Athenaeum reported that students were told of the closure via email.

The closure of the university’s DEI office and the assembly of a new unit, the Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance, has all been done to comply with recent orders from the federal and state governments.

“This is not a rebranding, but a shift in focus that will align with the Governor’s directive,” the release said.

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West Virginia public universities have been ordered to review their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives under Executive Order No. 3-25 by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

The order, signed on Jan. 14, details new regulations for DEI initiatives.

“All cabinet secretaries and department heads under the authority of the Governor shall a. Initiate a review of all DEI positions, activities, procedures and programs in effect for every division, agency and board within their department,” the order states.

Institutions like West Virginia University and Marshall University are currently in the revising process.

“We’re currently reviewing the executive order with members of our campus community. We’ll have a better understanding once the review is completed,” WVU Communications Director April Kaull told West Virginia Watch.

Jessie Sharps, the director of communications at Fairmont State University, said they are also following suit.

“Fairmont State, like all public institutions of higher education in West Virginia, is reviewing our positions, activities, procedures and programs in accordance with paragraph 2.a. of EO 3-25,” Sharps said. “I would anticipate the regional institutions will all follow a similar process.”

According to the order, these institutions must submit reports of DEI-related positions, activities, procedures and programs, as well as plans to “address and eliminate” these materials.

Sarah Davis can be contacted at [email protected].