The search for a new assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Minnesota Law School is paused as the University reassesses its DEI programs, according to an email from Dean William McGeveran to Law School students, faculty and staff on Friday.
The University has resources available for students on its Office for Equity and Diversity page, but multiple Minnesota Daily reporters called the office and found the number appears to be disconnected. A University spokesperson said this is just a technical issue.
“This is a disappointing development for many, and I know it brings questions and uncertainty for our community,” McGeveran said in the email. “My commitment to supporting all of our students, faculty, and staff remains unchanged, as does the Law School’s mission of building a legal profession representative of the people it serves.”
McGeveran said all finalist visits for the dean position were canceled, but many programs within the law school will continue.
This pause comes just weeks after President Donald Trump’s executive order banning DEI initiatives in any programs receiving federal funding.
Trump said he would fine schools with diversity programs — which he called discrimination — up to the full amount of their endowment, the Associated Press reported.
The University sent a statement to the Minnesota Daily which reads “Many new executive orders are being issued at the federal level and we continue to monitor these changing federal policies, including last week’s pause, then restart, of federal funding related to diversity, equity and inclusion. We want to assure everyone in our community that we value the activities that support diversity of thought and inclusion, which strengthen our teaching and research. We are not rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion at the University and we are not making any preemptive changes to our existing programs. While focusing on our commitment to our current employees who contribute this important work, we felt it was the responsible decision to pause expanding our current activities until federal policies are further clarified.”
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates. This Story was updated at 5:16 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.
