AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) – Auburn University is one of the many public institutions in Alabama impacted by the recent ban on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Earlier this year, Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB-129 into law. The bill officially goes into effect on October 1, 2024 and prohibits public entities from funding and maintaining offices dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and projects.

It also restricts the promotion of what the bill describes as “divisive concepts” in education. This includes programs and training that emphasize race, gender or sexual orientation as participation factors.

On August 15, 2024, Auburn acted in accordance with the law and disbanded its DEI office. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was located in the heart of the Melton Student Center and served as a safe space for students of all backgrounds.

Auburn University student Taylor Kreimier discovered her sense of belonging through the DEI office and finds the distance counterintuitive.

“I now feel that since the dissolution, the DEI office has become forcefully “inclusive for all” and is no longer a true safe space for minorities. It makes minorities and other marginalized groups vulnerable because their spaces are no longer protected by law.”

The Auburn University Student Government Association (SGA) is committed to representing the student voice, and with that responsibility comes the duty to create a safe space for all populations. To ensure its promise is kept, SGA will hold a roundtable event to discuss pressing issues such as DEI initiatives and listen to any student concerns.

This event will take place on September 30th from 3pm to 5pm in the Academic Classroom Laboratory Complex