University of Idaho dissolves DEI offices; highlights partnerships with INL, WAMI and water research

BOISE, Idaho — During a Jan. 27 Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee hearing, University of Idaho President C. Scott Green outlined organizational changes to diversity‑related units, described the university’s partnerships with Idaho National Laboratory and water‑resources research, and discussed options for the state’s MD education pathway (WAMI).

DEI office changes: Green said that after the State Board of Education adopted a resolution affecting DEI policy, the university shut down the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Black/African‑American Cultural Center, the LGBTQA Office and the Women’s Center. He said staff positions were dissolved and many employees were reassigned with rewritten job descriptions to report to the Dean of Students or other campus units. The Chief Diversity Officer role was eliminated and that individual was reassigned as Executive Director of Tribal…