The American College Personnel Association posted an open letter reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on Instagram Tuesday. The announcement follows the U.S. Department of Education formally withdrawing its appeal of the August ruling against a letter arguing that DEI violates civil rights law.
“Community is not a luxury, it is strategy, sustenance, and survival, …” the association wrote. "Many in our community have been carrying uncertainty, caution, and at times, fear. … You were not alone."
The ACPA wrote that, with federal pressure being eased, opportunities have opened for institutions and professionals to reengage in equity-centered practices. The association wrote its mission, vision and values remain the same while recognizing barriers and challenges still exist at the state and local levels.
On Jan. 20, 2025, the White House issued a press release calling into effect an executive order to “coordinate the termination of all discriminatory programs,” including diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and programs in the federal government.
On Feb. 14, the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights issued a letter regarding how federal civil rights law applies to DEI in K-12 schools and on college and university campuses. The department argued that DEI policies violate both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
The 2026 ACPA annual convention will be held from March 30 to April 2 in Baltimore. The convention will be centered around equity, student success and inclusive leadership, according to the Instagram post.
In February 2024, OU renamed its DEI office to the Division of Access and Opportunity, following Gov. Kevin Stitt’s December 2023 executive order. OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. wrote in a campuswide email that DEI-related positions would be removed and staff members would rotate to new positions.
This story was edited by Macey Thaxton and Audrey McClour. Ryan Little and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
