West Virginia State University, in Institute, was one of 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities designated as land-grant institutions to receive funding from the United States Department of Agriculture. (West Virginia State University | Courtesy photo)
Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s anti-diversity, equity and inclusion executive order is prompting West Virginia State University to review its programs. WVSU, located in Institute, is one of the state’s historically Black colleges and universities.
The university does not have a dedicated DEI office, which Morrisey has said must not exist in state government or within entities receiving state funds, like universities.
“Like all institutions of higher education in West Virginia, we are assessing our institution to
ensure that we are in compliance with both the executive orders issued by Gov. Morrisey
and the latest requirements issued by the federal government,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage.
President Donald Trump has executive orders targeting DEI programs, which aim to dismantle the diversity-focused programs across all federal agencies, including those that provide funding that could benefit HBCUs.
“West Virginia State University has always been an institution that prides itself on being a living laboratory of human relations that provides a high quality education to students of all
backgrounds,” Cage added.
Founded in 1891, WVSU is one of the original HBCUs established after the Civil War.
Bluefield State University, the state’s other HBCU, did not respond by deadline about how the campus was responding to Morrisey’s anti-DEI directive.
West Virginia University announced last week that, in response to Morrisey’s order, it would close its DEI office and open a new unit – the WVU Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance – with a “redefined mission.” The unit will focus on ensuring the university adheres to federal and state guidance, including compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to WVU leadership.
The acronym DEI represents “diversity, equity and inclusion” policies aimed at promoting equality in government and workplaces’ hiring and retention. Morrisey, a Republican, believes the policies can give “special preferences unlawfully benefiting one group over another” due to race, age, ethnicity and more.
Marshall University and West Liberty University are reviewing their diversity policies, and both universities removed DEI-related content from their websites.