To the editor: As a former professor and student of the University of Alaska, I am deeply concerned about the decision to close the university’s diversity center and eliminate the chief diversity officer in response to federal pressure. This move is shortsighted and undermines the university’s core mission: to support students and foster academic freedom.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs provide vital resources for students from all backgrounds. They ensure equal opportunities, promote a sense of belonging and enrich academic discussions with diverse perspectives — essential for preparing students for an increasingly global workforce. Eliminating these initiatives sends a troubling message that inclusivity is expendable, which could harm student retention, recruitment and overall success.
More concerning is the broader trend this decision represents. The Trump administration’s efforts will not stop with DEI; they will continue targeting academic programs they find politically inconvenient. Climate change research, Indigenous studies, gender studies, and historical examinations of racial and economic injustice could be next. Scientific inquiry and social research should not be dictated by political ideology, yet this action sets a dangerous precedent for external interference in academic freedom. When universities bow to such pressures, they risk losing their integrity as institutions of higher learning.
Moreover, neglecting diversity efforts and undermining research on critical topics could damage the university’s reputation and future funding. Many accrediting bodies and grant agencies prioritize institutions that uphold commitments to diversity, academic independence, and scientific exploration. Choosing compliance over principle may have long-term consequences far beyond this administration’s tenure.
The University of Alaska must prioritize students and academic freedom over politics. Upholding DEI initiatives and protecting research is not just about following trends—it’s about ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive and that academic integrity remains intact. I urge the administration and Board of Regents to reconsider this decision and reaffirm their commitment to an inclusive, student-first education that values inquiry, truth, and progress.
