Afternoon Update: The new anti-DEI bureaucracy

Utah universities eliminate cultural centers; more colleges breach debt requirements; ex-student sentenced to life for murdering professor; and more. ADVERTISEMENT [Afternoon Update Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. 'COMPLIANCE U' [The New Anti-DEI Bureaucracy]( By Maggie Hicks [STORY IMAGE]( In Republican-controlled states, lawmakers are leaning on legalese and intimidation to stamp out diversity efforts in public higher ed. ADVERTISEMENT [The New Anti-DEI Bureaucracy ]( RACE ON CAMPUS [The Latest Weapon Against DEI: Bureaucracy]( By Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez [STORY IMAGE]( Plus, Shaun Harper built his career advocating for underrepresented students. What does he do in the midst of the anti-DEI movement? ANTI-DIVERSITY LAWS [2 Utah Universities Eliminate All Cultural Centers to Comply With New Anti-DEI Law]( Critics say changes at the University of Utah and Weber State University go beyond what the legislation requires. [The law, HB 261]( which takes effect on July 1, allows such centers but only if they are open to all students and focus on education, not resources. Critics of [similar laws in other states]( say universities have overreached to [prove they are in compliance](. (The Salt Lake Tribune, The Chronicle) FINANCIAL STRESS [More Colleges Are Breaching Their Debt Requirements, Report Says]( The colleges are violating bond and loan stipulations, known as covenants, that obligate them to observe key measures of their financial health, according to a report from S&P Global Ratings. The credit-rating company said 12 smaller private colleges had violated covenants in the last year. In most cases, the debt holders did not object because they still hope to be paid. (Higher Ed Dive) CAMPUS SAFETY [Former U. of Arizona Graduate Student Is Sentenced to Life for Professor’s Murder]( Murad Dervish, 48, was convicted in May of six felonies in connection with the [shooting death]( in 2022 of Thomas Meixner, a department chair, near his office. Dervish harassed Meixner and others for months before he was kicked out of the program and banned from campus. The university [drew criticism]( for [how it]( handled [the case](. (Arizona Public Media, The Chronicle) TROUBLED COLLEGE [Bacone College Files for Bankruptcy]( The Oklahoma college faced a possible sheriff’s auction in December over an unpaid $1.5-million bill from a contractor. It avoided the auction but laid off many professors. In addition to the bankruptcy filing, which will render it ineligible for federal student aid, Bacone said it would temporarily close for a year as it seeks a partner to buy it or merge with it. (Inside Higher Ed) UPCOMING PROGRAM [The Chronicle's Library and Institutional Success Program | July 2024] The Chronicle is partnering with Ithaka S+R to host a brand new [professional development program for librarians]( in July. This innovative two-week program will help library leaders understand the many roles they might take on, boost the success of the campus library, and better align with their institution’s goals. Learn more about our seminars and workshops, and [register today]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [Overcoming Student Loneliness - The Chronicle Store]( [Overcoming Student Loneliness]( Students are especially vulnerable to loneliness, which can be difficult to measure and hard to combat. [Order this report]( for expert insights to foster stronger social connections on your campus. JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Search jobs on The Chronicle job board]( [Find Your Next Role Today]( Whether you are actively or passively searching for your next career opportunity, The Chronicle is here to support you throughout your job search. Get started now by [exploring 30,000+ openings]( or [signing up for job alerts](. NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK [Please let us know what you thought of today's newsletter in this three-question survey](. This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. [Manage]( your newsletter preferences, [stop receiving]( this email, or [view]( our privacy policy. © 2024 [The Chronicle of Higher Education]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037