Straws in the Wind - Part 51

From The Oregonian: Oregon State University plans to end two diversity, equity and inclusion programs this fall. But university representatives have declined to elaborate on the decisions and said the spirit of the programs — which have been housed in the university’s human resources department — will carry on in other forms.

The Search Advocate Program began in 2008 and trained faculty, staff and students to help hiring committees limit bias and promote inclusion in hiring searches. University spokesperson Rob Odom said the university will now expect all search committee members to “take an active role in mitigating bias in recruitment and hiring.” The Social Justice Education Initiative started in 2016 and provided professional development to faculty and staff around social justice and equity. Odom said over time the university’s “efforts to build employee awareness and skill in these areas have significantly expanded.” He noted that other programs at the university promote similar educational opportunities.

Misty Edgecomb, a spokesperson for the university, declined to comment in an email on whether any layoffs would occur as a result of the end of the programs or whether pressure from the federal government played a role in Oregon State’s decisions...

Full story at https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2025/07/oregon-university-to-end-2-dei-programs-this-fall.html.