Michigan Technological University rebranded its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office amid a nationwide pushback against taxpayer-funded “anti-racism,” according to a report from The Daily Wire.
The university announced that its DEI department will now be known as the “Engagement and Belonging” department, according to a statement.
“The change reflects Michigan Tech’s continued dedication to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the University community, while emphasizing the intentional efforts made to achieve this goal,” the university’s statement reads.
Michigan Tech noted that the office’s functions, staff, and services remain unchanged.
Efforts to rebrand DEI offices are occurring across the country. In 2023, the University of South Carolina reorganized and renamed its DEI office. Following attempts in the state’s General Assembly to defund DEI, the South Carolina school created the “Division of Access, Civil Rights, and Community Engagement,” according to a local news outlet.
Clemson University followed shortly after by rebranding DEI to the “Division of Community Engagement, Belonging, and Access.”
Other state legislators anticipated the problems of outlawing “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives, as many universities could merely rebrand the office without eliminating the racial bias inherent in the program.
In Texas, state legislators prohibited higher education establishments from having diversity offices. Universities across the state attempted to rebrand their DEI offices but were met with pushback.
State Sen. Brandon Creighton informed public universities in Texas that renaming or rebranding a diversity office does not comply with state law. The University of Texas was among those that eliminated its DEI office.
“While I am encouraged with the progress I have seen from many institutions of higher education in implementing [the outlawing of DEI offices], I am deeply concerned with the possibility that many institutions may choose to merely rename their offices or employee titles,” Creighton wrote.
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
