The University of West Virginia closes its division of diversity, justice and inclusion – Parkersburg News

The front lobby of the already closed department of diversity, justice and inclusion of WVU, of 1085 Van Voorhis Road, Suite 250.

Morgantown – In response to an executive order from the governor of the Western Virginia Patrick Morrisi, the University of West Virginia closed its division of diversity, justice and inclusion.

The performance began on Thursday, Wvu said.

Word of the Closure came out on Thursday an email to the campus community.

At the site of the DEI Department, WVU said that a new unit was set up in the email, a campus engagement department and a redefined mission.

“This unit will focus on ensuring that the university adheres to federal and state guidance and fulfills the needs of our campus community, including compliance with Title IX and the Disability Act, which is its main focus. This is not a rebanding, but a change in focus that will be aligned with the governor’s directive. “

Western Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisi talks about executive orders, which he issued on his first day as manager of a press conference in the State Capitol in Charleston, W.VA. On Tuesday, January 14, 2024 (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)

The action of WVU and Morrisy’s order are also bound by the Trump administration order on January 20, graduating from Dei’s federal programs that partly said, in part “The Director of the Management and Budget Office, assisted by the Prosecutor General and the Director of the Personnel Management Office, coordinates the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and” diversity, justice, inclusion and accessibility “mandates of obligation, policies, programs, programs, programs, programs Preferences and activities in the federal government, under any name that appear. “

Morrisi issued his order on January 14, the day after taking office – to remove the act from the government of the state, as he summarized it.

Dominion’s post asked WVU how the transition would affect Dei Division employees and whether they would be transferred to the new division.

“The former department housed a focused group of employees to perform tasks, including federal compliance with Title IX and the Disability Act,” “ said WVU. “This work in conformity will remain as part of the new WVU Campus engagement and compliance department led by Vice President Meshea Poore. The obligations and responsibilities of campus commitment in the new division (Ca) are determined. “

Asked about all the expenses related to the transition, said WVU, “Once the execution of execution is over, we will have a better understanding of common future needs, including the budget.”

In the announcement of the closure, said WVU in his email, “The University of Western Virginia diligently examines the executive order of Governor Morrisi No. 3-25, while actively engaging with members of the campus community and key stakeholders and providing internal guidance and call points to assist in initial issues or concerns. The university administration really appreciates the patience that is shown as this work continues. “

Announcement of the end of one division and creating another as immediate steps, said WVU, said: “After the university’s examination is completed, administrators will have a better impact understanding and will provide more specific guidance at the unit level at that time. The university is committed to informing the WVU community throughout this process and will continue to provide regular communication and feedback as it works to ensure that it is in accordance with all and all obligations. “

WVU described the DEI Division in this way: “The diversity, justice and inclusion department provides education, support, accountability and leadership at the University in issues related to diversity with campus and community. The department of diversity, justice and inclusion exists because WVU always strives to create the safe, diverse, welcoming community that we all deserve. “

The website of the department (still from Friday) includes links to the classroom of DEI, offering 30- to 90-minute sessions on such topics such as intercession, micro-aggression and inclusive protection of the language and youth; a “YAPPY HOUR” to de-stress with a dog on the campus; kindness campaign; and a connection to the project implicit tests for implicit bias.

Morrisi celebrates WVU course on Friday as a start, “A few weeks ago, I came to you during my opening address to talk about how we need to eradicate the awakening virus in our schools. We have stressed the importance of getting rid of Dei from the government of Western Virginia. “

This includes any enterprise that receives state resources.

“This is important for many different reasons,” “ he said. “I am a believer, like many of you, that God looks at us, the rule of law looks at us as equal. We have a flat protection clause. We take care of the rule of law. We take care of freedom. We do not want special preferences to illegally take advantage of one group above another – race, color, age, ethnicity. We need to make sure that we are taking steps to treat everyone under the law. “

About WVU, he said, “This is a big victory for Mountain State. I want to applaud WVU for the actions that have been taken. This is really critical. I know, American ideal. “

The head of the Western Virginia of ACLU is among the groups that oppose Morrisi’s order.

“This hastily written executive order is a potential violation of the rights of free speech of teachers laid down in the Constitution and is maintained by the Supreme Court of the United States,” “ ACLU-WV’s legal director Rashi Sparks said. “We not only believe that this order is unconstitutional, but we cannot exaggerate the extent to which it aims to set up a state government hostile to people from marginalized communities.”