Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

In spring of 2024, a decision was made by the Wyoming State Legislature prohibiting the use of state funding for any service or program that could elevate an individual on the basis of race, sexual orientation, or religion. This decision forced the University of Wyoming to close their Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees did later that year. 

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was opened at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2017 and was tasked with ensuring that all actions of the University upheld standards of ethical employment and education. Actions resulting from this commitment included sitting in on job interviews, receiving and escalating student reports regarding faculty behavior, and putting on events such as the 50th anniversary of the Black 14's dismissal or the 20th anniversary commemoration of the killing of Matthew Shepard. 

After the 2024 decision of the Board of Trustees, there was a sense of loss on campus. The closure of the office was not entirely negative.  Afterwards, many its responsibilities were taken on by other offices such as Title IX or student services. The erasure of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ultimately cleared space for the University to refocus its efforts in making the institution a more welcoming and accepting place. 

Contributed by Grant Schoene