*Editor’s Note: Many individuals working for or under or in association with the University of Wyoming did not operate in a work-capacity and instead exercised their right to Freedom of Speech as private citizens.
Over 100 individuals joined the public gallery at the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2024, to listen into the discussion(s) about the future of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) at its institution.
At least 20 individuals provided public testimony each sharing their personal experiences and thoughts about Footnote 12, on the 2025-2026 Biennium budget which states, “no funds from this appropriation shall be expended on the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Wyoming or on any diversity, equity and inclusion program activity.”
Wyoming Representative Trey Sheerwood took the floor to clarify that this footnote only applies to state aid and not endowment, match, or private funds, as well as stated her hopes for defining what DEI is, is not, and that the two entities (the legislature and the board) can come together to respect and prepare students for their future careers.
Testimonies came from a variety of individuals including students, staff, faculty, and community members, all with similarly resounding themes of concern and how a lack of funding to ODEI the programs it umbrellas are to continue forward.
Programs mentioned included but were not limited to Disability Support Services (DSS), the Veterans Service Center, and Multicultural Affairs.
“I and many others like me do not ask for unfair advantages in becoming successful in life. A large part of becoming successful, however, is having the resources and guidance necessary for navigating higher education and the road beyond. Many of us are first generation students, [are] parents, or come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We oftentimes don’t have a parent, sibling, family member or friend to turn to to help us navigate,” said Ana Rodriquez, a graduate student and president of the First Generation Organization at the UW College of Law.
“I am disgusted and appalled by this board’s willingness to entertain the obvious politicization of mine and this state’s higher education. Based on the broadness of this bill. . . and specifically this part, ‘or any diversity equity and inclusion program activity or function,’ said Tanner Ewalt, a student who described himself as a Cowboy.
“So let me ask you, is Veteran Affairs on the chopping block? DSS? Non-traditional student support, programs for young mothers, for students who are athletes or young freshmen struggling? All of these are on the chopping block, correct? Because at their core they are DEI work.”
These statements were only from the morning round of public testimonies.
It was during the afternoon session where the topic of the ODEI was actually addressed that the audience doubled in size, forcing the venue to accommodate by opening a panel wall in an attempt to provide more seating. Even with the addition of a dozen chairs, the addition was still only standing room.
The board then not only entered discussion about the ODEI but eventually opened the microphone to the gallery once more for additional public comments.
John Luke Wilson, a student and trustee’s scholar recipient, reflected upon his activism on the legislature floor and what he would like to see the university do next.
“I think our ODEI does a lot of very important things, including Native American admissions and outreach, first generation help for students, and overall promoting community here in Wyoming. However, I’m aware, unfortunately, a lot of this stuff is already out of your hands. . . So it comes down to a question of what are we going to do about all of these programs?”
Several students provided testament to being part of communities including in DEI’s support programs and how the defunding of such programs would impact them.
The decision on Biennium is still pending as Governor Mark Gordon still has until Saturday, March 23, 2024. The Branding Iron will provide updates as they arrive.
