West Virginia State University has to review its programs and practices after the governor issued an executive order to end diversity, equity, and inclusion. Other schools in West Virginia will have to follow suit, but West Virginia State is in an interesting position. West Virginia State is an HBCU with a predominantly white student body; diversity and inclusion are key parts of the university’s mission.
With the growth of DEI bans, West Virginia State is not the only institution going through this type of review procedure. Given their historic mission, some argue that HBCUs should not be subject to these examinations, which raises concerns about how these institutions will cope in the present state and federal legislative climate.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey banned state institutions from using “state funds, property, or resources” to “grant or support DEI staff positions, procedures, or programs” last month. He also banned mandating DEI statements, training, or programming that “promotes or encourages the granting of preferences based on one person’s particular race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.A group that advocates for free speech rights, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, denounced the executive order as being unduly broad and cautioned that it would restrict the curriculum in West Virginia schools.
According to Ericke Cage, president of West Virginia State University, the university and other public universities in the state responded to the governor’s DEI ban by sending a letter detailing diversity-related roles, initiatives, and activities.
“All procedural practices and programs at WVSU are designed to foster an inclusive and equitable environment,” Faucett wrote. They also “promote fairness and equal access while ensuring no group receives preferential treatment. The university remains dedicated to serving all members of the community, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, as part of its longstanding mission.”
Last month, President Donald Trump signed executive orders rolling back several diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives (DEIA). Many of those executive orders have had a direct impact on HBCUs. Rutgers University cancelled the HBCUs and Registered Apprenticeship Mini-Conference to comply with the executive orders. The event was created to highlight HBCU leaders’ and students’ perspectives and experiences in workforce development. In addition to cutting DEI initiatives, President Trump signed executive orders freezing most federal grants and loans, leaving many HBCUs wondering how they will be able to pay their bills.
While West Virginia State continues to review its academic programs, President Cage says that any changes to the curriculum or academic programming would be in violation of the university accreditation requirements.
