On Friday, March 21, 2025, the VCU community received a letter from the Office of the President announcing the Board of Visitors' resolution to dissolve the Division of Inclusive Excellence, the university’s DEI office. Given that VCU's mission touts DEI as a core value and a source of university pride, this decision directly undermines its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In 2024, VCU received the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for the seventh time for demonstrating an “outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.” VCU is designated a federal Minority Serving Institution and is considered one of Virginia's most diverse higher education institutions. This decision, made ahead of a final court ruling on the Trump administration’s authority to enforce restrictive DEI mandates in higher education, does not reflect these commitments.

Join us today in demanding that VCU set an example of what it means to be a university truly committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and, therefore, its students, faculty and staff. We demand transparency, accountability, engagement in decision-making that affects our community, and a clear plan to maintain the university’s commitment to its mission. Words alone are not enough—VCU must actively uphold its values.

Urge VCU's Board of Visitors to reverse this decision and reaffirm VCU’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Speak out today—our community’s future depends on it.