University of Alaska reduces diversity initiatives and positions

The University of Alaska Anchorage has recently made significant changes to its diversity initiatives. The university has removed its chief diversity officer, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks has closed its diversity center. These actions come in response to new federal guidelines that discourage diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. University President Pat Pitney addressed these changes in a letter to the university community. She acknowledged that the Board of Regents has decided to review programs and eliminate DEI-related language from official documents. This decision has raised concerns and led to protests among students and faculty members. Many faculty members have criticized the Board's actions as a threat to free speech and academic freedom. Abel Bult-Ito, president of the Faculty Senate at Fairbanks, expressed disappointment over the removal of DEI language, arguing it limits academic freedoms. He noted that a commitment to DEI was recently removed from the department's website. The University of Alaska system relies heavily on federal funding, receiving about $200 million in 2022. As part of the changes, the university is revising its language surrounding equal opportunity and nondiscrimination to align with federal policies. Some offices have been renamed, and the chief diversity officer position has been eliminated. The Nanook Diversity and Action Center at Fairbanks was closed earlier this year. The center supported events celebrating cultural diversity and served various student groups. Graduates from the university expressed sadness over the center's closure but hoped that its work could continue in some form. Despite the ongoing changes, President Pitney also reaffirmed the university's commitment to free expression and stated that hiring practices will remain merit-based. She assured the community that student clubs would still operate as they wish and that Alaska Native programs would not be affected. The university system includes campuses across Alaska in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.