Effective immediately, Missouri State University will stop diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs on campus and close its office of inclusive engagement. 

This decision comes in response to changes nationwide and anticipated actions regarding DEI at the state level. Since 2023, discussion of DEI by state leaders has become increasingly heated. More recently, they have focused specifically on Missouri State’s DEI programs.  

These changes are supported by the university’s Board of Governors.  

“As a university, we value diverse thought and actions and support all our students, faculty and staff,” said Missouri State President Dr. Richard B. Williams. “However, 38% of our budget comes from the state. For us to continue providing a quality education to our students, we must align with the requirements laid out by state leadership.” 

Previous actions

In the last few years, the Missouri legislature has introduced many bills to eliminate and reduce public DEI programs. In 2023, the university reviewed and updated programs that supported students, faculty and staff.  

This was done to ensure the programs were inclusive for all members of the campus community. The work included: 

• Discontinuing limited instances where individual departments required diversity statements from job applicants. 
• Eliminating diversity hiring policies that streamlined the hiring process for diverse faculty and staff candidates. 
• Removing scholarship requirements that limited eligibility based on race, sex and other characteristics. This included institutional, college/department and donor-funded scholarships. 
• Removing program participation requirements that limited eligibility based on race, sex and other characteristics. 

Moving forward 

With the closure of the office of inclusive engagement, employees who were faculty members before their current positions will return to their colleges. Staff members will move to other open positions at the university. 

In addition: 

• The Collaborative Diversity Conference and Inclusive Excellence Awards Gala are eliminated as university supported events. This year’s events are cancelled. 
• The university will continue to evaluate how to be in full compliance with state and federal mandates. 

“Despite these changes, Missouri State will continue to support all individuals on our campus, ensuring respect, fairness, open dialogue and shared opportunity,” Williams said.