The University of Alabama has closed dedicated spaces for its Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ resource center, citing a new state law that prohibits publicly funded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
According to a statement from University of Alabama spokeswoman Alex House, university officials met with the Black Student Union and leaders of the organizations that used the Safe Zone Resource Center, which will be closed rather than relocated due to Alabama’s DEI laws.
More: University of Alabama System closes Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
“Initiatives, programs and responsibilities across campus that do not comply with the applicable new law will be discontinued or modified to be compliant before October 1,” the school wrote. “Under state and federal law, no university operation may contain any impermissible restrictions, preferences or limitations based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. A campus memo sent in July announced comprehensive compliance changes, and university staff are working to ensure compliance across campus.”
The news was first reported by Crimson White, the University of Alabama’s student newspaper. Attempts to obtain a comment from the Black Student Union on August 26 were unsuccessful. In an Instagram post the previous week, the organization wrote that its office had been “relocated.”
“We are saddened by this loss – not just of a physical space, but of a place where we gathered, shared, and built a community based on our shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs,” they wrote. “Our office was more than just four walls, it was a sanctuary for all of us, a place where we could be ourselves, support each other, and celebrate our culture and heritage.”
Governor Kay Ivey signed SB 129, sponsored by Senator Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), into law, which restricts the ability of public funds to be spent on programs promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and limits the ability of public employees to discuss “divisive concepts.”
The law defines a “divisive term” as one of the following:
- “That every race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior;”
- “That individuals should not be discriminated against or disadvantaged on the basis of their race, colour, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin;”
- “That the moral character of an individual is determined by his race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin;”
- “That a person is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive because of his or her race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, or national origin, whether consciously or unconsciously.”
- “That individuals, because of their race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, are inherently responsible for acts committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”
- “That fault, blame, or prejudice should be assigned to members of any race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin on the basis of that race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”
- “That every person should accept, acknowledge, acknowledge or consent to a feeling of guilt, complicity or the need for an apology because of his or her race, colour, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin; and
- “That meritocracy or qualities like a hard work ethic are racist or sexist.”
The University of Alabama closed its DEI offices last month, citing the law. The UA announced it would create the Division of Opportunities, Success and Connection, which will “support the university’s efforts to promote success for everyone in the UA community, including those who may face challenges in educational access and benefits,” according to a statement about the creation.
The UA statement said that university funds would no longer be used to continue programs in the Safe Zone and that student employees would be offered other opportunities. The position was vacant and will not be filled, and the university stated that no employee was laid off as a result of the law.
“The university will continue to provide resources and support to every member of our campus community and remains committed to our institutional goals of welcoming all, serving all, and ensuring that all thrive and succeed,” the school wrote.
Registered student organizations may continue to offer their own programs and reserve space in the Student Center and facilities.
“If student organizations wish to host or sponsor DEI programs or events that could promote a divisive concept, they must meet the requirements set forth by law,” they wrote.
According to university statistics, about 11.6% of Alabama’s students were black in fall 2023. The university has not yet released figures for fall 2024.
In its statement, BSU wrote that the law reminds it of the challenges it continues to face and that it remains committed to its mission for people of color at the school.
“We must channel the energy we feel into a ‘wake-up call’ to make a difference at the local, state and national levels by mobilizing to vote,” they wrote. “This is not a time for apathy; voting is the most powerful tool we have as individuals.”
They wrote that they will continue to be a community and continue their commitment.
“We are more than a place. We are a community, a family, and we will continue to succeed no matter what obstacles are thrown in our way,” they wrote.
