Photo by Craig Chandler for university communication
LINCOLN, NE – On Tuesday, University of Nebraska Chancellor Rodney Bennett announced that the university will soon close its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. In addition to this change, UNL will eliminate the position of vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, which has been held by Dr. Marco Barker since 2019. Chancellor Bennett cited a lack of need for a “centralized approach” as a reason for the office’s dissolution, but promised to “continue to recruit and support faculty, staff and students from all backgrounds and identities.”
This announcement comes only months after Nebraska senators introduced bills targeting diversity and inclusion efforts in public institutions. A clear pattern has emerged across our nation’s university systems, including in Nebraska. As state funding for higher education continues to experience sharp declines, programs that serve BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students are the first to have funding slashed, or to be eliminated entirely. When these programs are eliminated, it sends a clear message to students about whose education we truly value and invest in.
In recent years, our youth have repeatedly shown us that they care deeply about diversity and inclusion. From organizing student walkouts and marches to penning opinion pieces in their student newspapers, countless young people are calling on us to build a Nebraska that values all young people and encourages them to seek career opportunities here.
For many gay and transgender students, college may be their only safe space. When we fully invest in staff and resources to build inclusive and affirming environments, students can take full advantage of their university education.
“The need for a ‘decentralized approach’ from Chancellor Bennett concerns us,” said Abbi Swatsworth, executive director for OutNebraska. “His suggestion that a welcoming environment will come about simply by instructing staff and faculty to ‘welcome all students’ is unconvincing. We know this work requires the same care and attention that keeps any university initiative running: staff, funding and institutional support.”
While this development was disappointing, we hope that the university will recognize these needs and provide the support necessary to cultivate the flourishing and diverse campus we all deserve. We encourage students to seek out resources and support as needed from UNL’s Gender and Sexuality Center and the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, both of which are still operating and active.
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OutNebraska is a non-partisan organization working to empower, celebrate and grow LGBTQ+ communities in Nebraska. For more information visit outnebraska.org.