The week of Feb. 17, an email from the Student Involvement Office was sent to all advisors and presidents of on-campus organizations. The email mandated all clubs and organizations to update their constitutions to include a strict stance on nondiscrimination in clubs.
The last sentence of this statement reads “As a faith-based institution, the University is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination.”
This new change comes after President Trump threatened schools and colleges across the United States to end diversity programs or risk having federal aid pulled by administration. Although Samford may potentially be held to uphold these changes, the constitutional modifications maintain support of inclusion.
Jhamal Mathis, the Coordinator for Multicultural Student Support and Gospel Choir Advisor, believes this change is paving the way for diversity and continuing to support a faith-based mindset on campus.
“I believe this change will serve as a reminder of the diverse nature of our campus. In my personal experience with campus organizations, even prior to the change, I have witnessed much diversity and inclusivity in membership and programming of our student organizations, and I am excited to see how that may continue to grow,” said Mathis.
On the other hand, President Trump’s efforts to halt DEI initiatives has been temporarily blocked the by the Federal Court. While this block relieves some pressure on established programs, government administration has already had a lasting effect on universities, with some removing DEI references from school websites.
Parts of administration at Samford are relieved to see a positive approach being taken to maintain inclusivity.
“Samford’s proactive approach signals a positive direction in fostering an inclusive campus. While other universities face challenges around DEI policies, Samford’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its DEI initiatives demonstrates that the university is focused on long-term growth and inclusivity, regardless of external pressures,” said Carla Novaes-Reddick, the Director of Student Involvement.
The new statement is to be included in all organization constitutions, effective immediately. Clubs that do not adhere to these changes will not be in compliance with Samford University.
Editor’s note: Since the original publication of this story, the university has issued a statement to 1819 News that the statement to be added to the club constitutions is a nondiscrimination statement, not a DEI statement.
Staff Writer
THANK YOU for writing this article and THANK YOU to Samford university for affirming the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus as it is a reflection of the Church. Regardless of political parties (whose platforms and hot button topics are ever-changing) or cultural shifting, ALL people were made in the image and likeness of God, are individuals whom God loved enough to send his Son to die for and who are ALL worthy of fair treatment. Seeing Samford take this stand makes me PROUD to be a Samford parent. Let’s set an example for the nation!
Since a current parent commented then I thought appropriate to respond as a parent. DEI is not a Biblical principle it is anti-Biblical. I love using the language of the activists pushing it. Please take time to study the philosophical and ideological background of who pushes it and where it originated. In a nutshell it is based in Marxist ideology to push a political agenda. It is not Biblically based by any stretch. You don’t need to take my word for it. Study its origins and those who have built on the ideas of critical theory into the current DEI practices. This article is written by an activist and not journalist. There is a reason the university quickly corrected the article. We love that Samford takes a Biblical approach to all people at the university. It’s why we love Samford. Our daughter is in a university built on Biblical principles and all are included and welcome to be a part of what God is doing with his people. Samford, I implore you to keep rejecting the poisonous political ideology that is meant to brew discord in your university. I would love for the staff member who is as quoted using the language to take time to learn about origins of DEI. I also would love to see a more firm and direct approach that DEI practice is not welcome. I know an activist may respond to my comments here saying a rejection of DEI is racism. I simple reject your premise, language and ideas and recognize your ideology is the one that bases people fundamentally and only on skin color which is contrary to the Bible and the building of the Kingdom of God. I appreciate Stanford’s correction is proof of that the university is not allowing DEI to define its policy. Kudos Samford for not letting activists redefine language, relationships or other policy of the university.