Following a January executive order, Purdue University is following several Hoosier higher education institutions in announcing a ‘sunset’ of efforts relating to inclusion, diversity and equity. Photo from Google Images.
WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue University is ending several of its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, joining a growing number of Indiana higher education institutions shifting away from such initiatives.
In a letter to colleagues Friday, May 30, Provost Patrick Wolfe said the university is “sunsetting historical DEI activities and initiatives.” The move includes the closure of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, along with related efforts in individual colleges and departments.
Employees affected by the changes will be given the opportunity to apply for open positions elsewhere within the university, Wolfe said.
Additionally, Purdue will consolidate its Minority Engineering Program and Business Opportunity Program into a broader initiative known as Boiler Opportunity Program Plus.
Despite the restructuring, the university’s cultural centers will remain open.
“As we refocus our efforts on the success of all students in keeping with our land-grant mission and values, our team will be with you every step of the way through these updates,” Wolfe wrote.
The announcement comes amid a wave of similar decisions by other Indiana institutions. Earlier this year, Ivy Tech Community College, Ball State University and Indiana University announced plans to wind down their own DEI programs.
The changes also follow a
January executive order
issued by Pres. Donald Trump, aimed at prohibiting what it describes as “illegal discrimination” in higher education.
