The North Carolina Board of Governors voted to repeal the UNC System’s DEI policy and immediately supersede it with legislation titled “Equality Within the University of North Carolina” on Thursday morning. This decision will remove diversity, equity and inclusion goals, initiatives and jobs within the university system.

The UNC System has followed a policy titled “Regulation on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina” since 2019, which promotes DEI efforts on university campuses and requires the university to report on progress. The policy outlines procedures for overseeing DEI activities and monitoring their effectiveness, as well as the responsibilities of DEI employees.

The new legislation, which was opposed only by two members of the Board of Governors, prioritizes equality in opportunity over diversity and inclusion. It states that the UNC system is a “public multicampus university dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people,” and “diverse persons of any background, from North Carolina and beyond, are invited, included and treated equally.”

“Equality Within the University of North Carolina” deems DEI policies discriminatory toward non-minorities and measures focused on overall equality to be more appropriate. It does not outline the roles or responsibilities of DEI officers and liaisons, suggesting they may be cut. Peter Hans, president of the UNC System, said this legislation upholds institutional neutrality but that the UNC system will “continue serving students of all backgrounds and beliefs.”

University chancellors must address DEI policies on their campuses and ensure their campuses abide by the regulations set forth by the new legislation by Sept. 1.