UAB makes adjustments under new laws, closes DEI Office

UAB is closing its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and taking steps to broadly serve and promote the success of all UAB students, faculty and staff.As the legal landscape in higher education has evolved with the passing of laws like Alabama Act 2024-34 (i.e., SB 129), UAB has taken steps to ensure it can effectively improve the lives of people at UAB and across Birmingham, Alabama, and beyond while complying with legal requirements.

Following a comprehensive review of applicable state and federal laws, as well as UAB policies and programs, adjustments are being made to focus on promoting access and success for all students, faculty and staff. Among other changes to ensure compliance, the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has closed.

UAB officials say the university will continue to provide resources and support for all campus community members. A new UAB entity - The Office of Access and Engagement - will open with a new charge and function to broadly serve and promote the success of all UAB students, faculty and staff. The office will be led by Vice President for Access and Engagement Paulette Dilworth.

"This is a new office with a new, exciting function, focusing on what we can do to promote success for everyone in the UAB community," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "Our goal with the new Office of Access and Engagement is to make sure everyone has access to available programs and resources they need to be successful here at UAB and beyond. This purposeful focus will have lasting benefits for the UAB community, Birmingham, Alabama, and beyond."

To promote the success of all students, the Office of Access and Engagement will address barriers associated with higher education access, recruitment, retention and success through outreach and engagement, leadership and co-curricular activities, service learning and academic success programs.

UAB remains committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds, providing open and equal access to resources and opportunities, and equipping all campus community members for success.

"We recognize that some students, faculty and staff face more barriers and a greater need for additional support than others due to their circumstances," Dilworth said. "From first-generation college students to students from rural or urban areas or underperforming high schools, to students and employees who are veterans or active-duty military, these are just a few examples of members of the UAB community - now and in the future - who may need additional support to succeed."

Watts says the Office of Access and Engagement's focus on all students, faculty and staff will have lasting benefits beyond campus.

"This initiative is important because our city and state win when members of the UAB community succeed in fulfilling our mission, vision and values," Watts said. "UAB strengthens our state with transformational advancements in education, research and medical care, and we boast a $12.1 million annual economic impact on Alabama. We exist to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible by serving all people, and this new initiative will expand our reach and help more people."

Learn more about the Office of Access and Engagement and the evolving legal landscape in higher education.