Fall of 'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion' at CofC brings anger, fear to campus

By Damian Porter

As President Donald Trump bullied the nation’s public schools and higher education institutions into ending any Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs in early 2025, some states and school systems resisted his threats.

Not South Carolina.

And not the College of Charleston.

CofC’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution in March to make sure the university complied with new federal DEI guidelines and at the time proposed state legislation on DEI.

President Andrew Hsu sent an email to students and faculty March 3 explaining that The College would take steps to realign all programs and activities, allowing them to continue by eliminating any restrictions based on race, gender or sexual orientation.

Students protested and faculty complained, but for fear of state and federal retribution, the changes were made.

Dr. Kenneth Johnson, an English professor, said he kept waiting for elected leaders in Washington to stand up to the executive orders and save smaller entities with few options from the heat.

“This entire time, I’ve been sitting here thinking, where the fuck is Congress? What is Congress doing?” he said. “Like, what the fuck? Are you going to say something?”

But Congress has had the power to do very little, leaving universities and government agencies to fend for themselves. Now CofC is left trying to navigate its new reality despite fear and loathing among students and faculty who don’t like the edict any more than they like the compliance.

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” was replaced with: “Respect for the Individual: We create and nurture a globally oriented academic community whose members value and respect one another.”

In 2017, a CofC student dressed for Halloween as Freddie Gray, an African American killed in police custody after being arrested for possession of a knife, underlining The College's long-standing fight to overcome its racist past.

For a university with a deep-rooted history of racism and a reputation for student misconduct involving racial and discriminatory acts, the change has been disheartening.

“Our institution has shown in the past that when it comes to issues, particularly racial ones, it often takes a stance that does not support individuals or, in this case, programs and spaces that are now being impacted,” said Dr. Anthony Greene, director of the African American Studies Program.

Many in the campus community were disappointed by what they called a lack of empathy in Hsu’s email, which cited “frustration” with “siloed offices and programs” as a key reason for the Board’s decision. He referenced surveys to support the restructuring but offered no data.

“That’s what’s devastating,” said Dr. Rénard Harris, a professor and former director of the Office of Institutional Diversity. “The idea that the response is like a buffet: we’ll keep some of this, some of that, based on what?”

The Office of Institutional Diversity, the Multicultural Student Center, the South Carolina Recruitment and Access Initiatives, and the Pride Center were all “absorbed.” These programs have been essential in supporting the success of marginalized students.

“Even if you have to comply [with the executive order], show that you care,” said Dr. Harris. “Say this was important. Say it’s unfortunate that it’s leaving. Otherwise, people come to work wondering, ‘Why am I even here? Was what I did not important?’ Show me that I have purpose.”

Faculty argue that no amount of post-decision town hall meetings can minimize the damage.

“They always say they’re acting in the best interest of The College,” said Dr. Greene. “But it’s clear, from the email and from the town halls, that while they talk about support and safe spaces, their actions in response to state legislation show where they really stand. And it’s unfortunate.”

One of the most troubling aspects of the decision was the vague reassignment of affected staff, leaving many faculty questioning how these moves could be made without devaluing their colleagues' roles or contributions.

“I don’t agree with this decision, and neither do most of the colleagues I’ve spoken with,” said Dr. Greene. “What is it about race, equity and inclusion initiatives driven by students, not faculty, that the Board finds so threatening?”

Universities across the country are already grappling with financial instability. Executive Order 14173, signed by Donald Trump, rescinded funding for any programs promoting DEI. In response, South Carolina legislators passed a bill prohibiting public institutions from supporting such initiatives, under threat of losing state funding.

As the impact of this decision ripples across the state, many are questioning whether it violates federal anti-discrimination laws. The rollback directly targets minority students, limiting their access to fair education and employment opportunities.

“I’ve had feelings of disassociation, like, ‘hell, I just work here; I’m not a part of this,’” said Dr. Harris. “If I feel that way as an employee, what does that say to students? College should feel like home.”

Now, students of color find themselves fighting for the same rights their predecessors fought for decades ago.

“You shouldn’t have to fight and learn at the same damn time,” Dr. Harris continued. “Especially when the person next to you isn’t fighting. That’s not your cause.”

Faculty predict a “Black exodus” from predominantly white institutions to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, where they believe students will feel more supported.

The 1967 Legacy Program and SPECTRA (Speedy Consolidation and Transition) at CofC have helped improve Black student enrollment at the College of Charleston, but their future is now in jeopardy.

“Collectively, on campuses, Black and Brown students are nervous,” said Dr. Greene.

This could mark a second wave of mass migration to HBCUs, the first occurring after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 that sparked a revival of the Black Lives Matter movement and nationwide protests against systemic racism.

“When there’s a racial crisis in this country, people go back to their tribe, to a safe space,” said Dr. Harris. “I think that’s what we’ll see happen again.”

Despite being underfunded since their inception, HBCUs have produced some of the nation’s most influential Black leaders like Spike Lee, Taraji P. Henson, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr., and Vice President Kamala Harris among them.

“I know the facilities may not be as nice, that stuff matters, and it’s a deterrent,” said Dr. Johnson. “But HBCUs will never thrive unless we invest in them.”

Faculty believe this shift could ultimately be a positive, transformative moment for higher education.

"Increase in enrollment means an increase in funds," said Dr.Greene. 

Dr. Harris encourages students to do what’s best for them, even if that means leaving. But he’s tired of running.

“You can’t fight them by playing along,” said Dr. Johnson. “It’s going to take radical, transformative, decolonized ideas about higher education, about our curriculum and our programs, to fight back. And I’m not sure how many institutions are willing to do that.”