Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

On March 20, Auburn leaders communicated with our various constituencies about Alabama Act 2024-34 (SB129). This law, which is effective Oct. 1, relates to diversity, equity and inclusion offices, programs and activities.

At the University Senate meeting on April 16, we announced that the Provost’s Office would spearhead an initiative to align institutional goals while taking into account the provisions of Alabama Act 2024-34. Working groups were created, which were comprised of internal and external stakeholders including faculty, students, staff, administrators and alumni. These working groups developed several recommendations to ensure Auburn advances its mission while being consistent with applicable law. 

The proposed recommendations were shared with University governance groups, senior leadership, the president’s leadership council and the Board of Trustees’ leadership. We would like to thank these members of the Auburn Family for their thoughtful, considerate and timely engagement in these discussions.

By Aug. 15, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity will be dissolved. Throughout this process, it was critical that we respected our AU colleagues affected by this change. Some colleagues will fill existing vacancies, while others will assume new roles in existing offices to assist with student recruitment, admissions or to support student success and student organizations. Depending on their responsibilities, they will report to the Office of Enrollment Management, Division of Student Affairs or the Office of the Provost.

We remain resolute in our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and to support all students, with particular emphasis on providing access and opportunity. We are dedicated to ensuring the First Amendment is celebrated and that all students, faculty and staff are welcomed, valued, respected and engaged.

Sincerely,

Vini Nathan, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kelli Shomaker, Senior Vice President for Business and Administration and CFO
Bobby R. Woodard, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs