The University of Alaska Board of Regents meeting on May 23, 2024, at UAA. Photo by Matthew Schmitz.
On Feb. 26, the Coalition of Student Leaders created a resolution against the University of Alaska Board of Regents’ motion to assess and reform programs and terms related to diversity, equity and inclusion, otherwise known as DEI.
The Board of Regents directed chancellors on Feb. 21 to remove DEI-related language from university communications and websites, and change operations and programs to align with federal guidance related to DEI.
Board of Regents Chair Ralph Seekins said the board assessed a variety of federal guidance, according to an article in the Alaska Beacon.
According to the article, federal guidance cited by Seekins “included the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling ending affirmative action in university admissions, Trump’s executive order terminating ‘DEI’ initiatives in the executive branch, and a recent communication, known as the ‘Dear Colleague letter,’ from the U.S. Department of Education.”
University chancellors have been delegated to monitor and amend university websites and other material to “no longer refer to ‘affirmative action,’ ‘DEI’ nor utilize the words ‘diversity,’ ‘equity,’ ‘inclusion,’ or other associated terms.”
The decision to remove language and practices involving DEI stem from a “Dear Colleague" letter released by the Board of Education.
The Coalition of Student Leaders’ resolution stated that the first amendment protects freedom of speech, “Hence, the Board of Regents’ recent immediate action violates this right.”
According to the resolution, Alaska Native communities have equitable opportunities to access educational support and other support systems, but banning DEI language presents a risk to this support.
The resolution notes that UAA, UAF and UAS house pride centers, Alaska Native-based courses and multicultural lounges. The resolution then addresses concerns of risks associated with equitable opportunity scholarships.
“Eliminating sources of inclusion can impact a student's mental health, where many students in the state of Alaska already experience dire mental health struggles.”
The end of the resolution stated, “The Coalition of Student Leaders of the University of Alaska demands that the Board of Regents revisit its statement and policies, not just for legal reasons but also because of what the student body of the entire university believes is the best course of action for equity and equality.”
In an email to The Northern Light, Chair of the Coalition of Student Leaders Tina Hamlin responded to the creation of the resolution.
“Right now, the University of Alaska is at a turning point. The Board of Regents’ decision to remove terms like 'diversity,' 'equity,' and 'inclusion' isn’t just about changing words—it’s about changing the core values that make our university a welcoming space for everyone,” Hamin wrote.
“By rushing into this decision without waiting for legal challenges, the Board is risking our commitment to free speech and equal opportunities. This could hurt students, especially those from marginalized communities, and weaken the university’s foundation.”
Hamlin also wrote that the Coalition of Students has witnessed students across the state demonstrate uncertainty in education and mental health.
She wrote that the coalition’s resolution reaffirms their “commitment to keeping diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.”
“The Coalition of Student Leaders is asking the Board to reconsider this decision—not just for the university’s future, but for the future of every student who deserves to learn in an environment that values them,” wrote Hamlin.
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