University of Utah leaders released new implementation guidance this week for House Bill 261, a state law that reshapes diversity initiatives at Utah's public colleges and universities. The updated directives include instructions for faculty preparing course materials and details regarding the elimination of the university's Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Restructuring of University Offices
The new guidance follows a period of internal review conducted by university leaders and the Utah System of Higher Education to assess the impacts of House Bill 261, also known as the "Equal Opportunity Initiatives" law. As the July 1 effective date for the legislation approached, the university outlined changes to hiring practices, training, data collection, and recruitment.
Commitment to Campus Mission
A primary component of the restructuring involves the dissolution of the Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. According to university communications, staff from that division will be reassigned to the Office of Student Affairs and other campus offices.
University President Taylor Randall stated that while the institution must follow the new state law as a public entity, the university remains committed to its core mission and the value of every community member. Randall noted that the work of making the university a place where everyone can thrive is done "one by one" with attention to individual needs.
Protecting Academic Freedom
The university's guidance provides specific frameworks for faculty and staff navigating the new legal restrictions. Officials urged faculty members to avoid self-censoring, noting that the law protects academic freedom, research, classroom instruction, and accreditation.
To assist with the transition, the president's cabinet is establishing a "rapid response team" to provide regular updates and answer questions as interpretations of the law evolve through feedback from state leaders and the Utah System of Higher Education.
Guidelines for Faculty Instruction
The guidance includes specific criteria for faculty to determine if an endeavor is protected under the legislation. University leaders suggested that activities are likely protected if they are required for accreditation, part of course instruction or academic research, or designed specifically to avoid discrimination.
Additionally, the university advised staff to consider alternative language for programs that previously used terms such as equity, diversity, or inclusion. The guidance also noted that any program not open to all members of the campus community should be modified to ensure access is available to everyone.
Addressing Stakeholder Concerns
University leaders have engaged in ongoing discussions with legislators on Capitol Hill regarding the implementation of HB 261. President Randall acknowledged that higher education has lost confidence among some stakeholders and expressed a commitment to listening to those concerns.
Community members with further questions regarding the new EDI guidance are directed to contact the president's office via email, with the university requesting 48 hours for responses.
