Last Updated on July 16, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
Oregon State University (OSU) is charting a new course in its commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment by phasing out two diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs this fall. The decision to end the Search Advocate Program and the Social Justice Education Initiative marks a strategic pivot toward what the university calls “inclusive excellence,” a framework aimed at embedding equity and inclusion more deeply into its institutional fabric. While some view this move as a pragmatic response to external pressures, others see it as a bold step to redefine how diversity is championed in higher education.
A New Vision for Inclusion
OSU’s decision, announced on July 12, 2025, comes amid a broader national conversation about the role of DEI initiatives in universities. The Search Advocate Program, which trained faculty and staff to minimize bias in hiring and recruitment processes, and the Social Justice Education Initiative, which provided professional development and learning opportunities focused on diversity, have been staples of OSU’s human resources efforts for years. Together, these programs supported the university’s mission to create a welcoming environment for its 33,000 students, of whom approximately 50% are from out of state and 25% identify as students of color, according to OSU’s 2024 enrollment data.
However, OSU spokesperson Rob Odom emphasized that the university’s commitment to diversity remains unwavering. “As Oregon’s land grant university, Oregon State University remains committed to our foundational values of removing barriers to student access and success and ensuring every OSU student and employee is valued for their diverse lived experiences,” Odom said in a statement to KOIN 6 News. He noted that the “outcomes” of the discontinued programs will persist through other ongoing initiatives, though specifics about these new efforts remain forthcoming.
The decision aligns with OSU’s broader strategy to integrate inclusive practices across all facets of university life, rather than housing them in standalone programs. “Inclusive excellence is about weaving equity into the core of what we do—academics, research, hiring, and student support,” said Dr. Maria Sanchez, a professor of sociology at OSU who has consulted on the university’s diversity initiatives. “It’s a shift from isolated programs to a holistic approach that touches every part of the institution.”
Navigating a National Backlash
The move to sunset these programs comes against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny of DEI initiatives nationwide. In February 2025, the Trump administration issued a directive through the U.S. Department of Education, giving schools 14 days to eliminate practices that “treat students or workers differently because of their race” or risk losing federal funding. The directive cited a 2023 Supreme Court decision banning race-based affirmative action in college admissions, though its application to other DEI efforts remains legally contentious.
At OSU, a legal review concluded that its programs were compliant with state and federal laws, but the university opted to phase out the two initiatives to avoid potential conflicts. “We’re proactively adapting to a changing landscape,” Odom said in a campus-wide email. “This allows us to focus on initiatives that are sustainable and aligned with our mission.”
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some faculty and students worry that ending the programs could signal a retreat from diversity efforts. “The Search Advocate Program was critical in ensuring fair hiring practices,” said Dr. Aisha Patel, an associate professor in OSU’s College of Education. “Without it, we risk backsliding on the progress we’ve made in diversifying our faculty, which is still only 18% non-white according to our 2024 diversity report.”
Students, too, expressed concern. “The Social Justice Education Initiative gave us tools to talk about tough issues like systemic racism,” said Maya Torres, a junior majoring in environmental science and a member of OSU’s Multicultural Student Union. “I hope the university follows through on its promise to keep that work alive in other ways.”
A Broader Context: Oregon’s DEI Landscape
OSU’s decision is not an isolated one. Across Oregon, public universities are grappling with how to balance federal directives with their commitment to equity. The University of Oregon, for instance, is under federal investigation for its partnership with The PhD Project, a nonprofit aimed at diversifying business school faculties. Despite the scrutiny, UO has maintained that its practices comply with federal law and continues to support its Division of Equity and Inclusion, which serves as a hub for resources and programs promoting equitable access.
Eastern Oregon University’s Center for Strategic Equity Initiatives, led by Bennie Moses-Mesubed, has also taken a stand, emphasizing that its support for students—ranging from visa assistance for international students to rental aid for those facing housing instability—avoids race-based criteria. “Our commitment is to every single student,” Moses-Mesubed told OPB.
Meanwhile, Oregon’s K-12 schools have taken a more defiant stance. State schools chief Charlene Williams declared in April 2025 that Oregon would not comply with federal demands to dismantle DEI initiatives, arguing that they align with existing anti-discrimination laws. With over $2.1 billion in federal funding at stake for Oregon’s schools, the state’s resistance highlights the tension between local priorities and federal mandates.
Reinventing Inclusion at OSU
OSU’s pivot to “inclusive excellence” involves embedding diversity principles into existing structures, such as academic curricula, faculty training, and student support services. For example, the university plans to expand its experiential learning programs, which use the arts to foster discussions on equity, and integrate diversity training into its mandatory employee onboarding process. These efforts aim to preserve the spirit of the discontinued programs while aligning with legal and political realities.
The university is also investing in data-driven approaches to track inclusion outcomes. According to OSU’s 2024-2025 strategic plan, the institution aims to increase retention rates for underrepresented students by 10% over the next five years and boost the proportion of faculty from underrepresented groups to 25% by 2030. “We’re not stepping back; we’re stepping smarter,” said Dr. Sanchez. “By measuring our progress, we can ensure accountability.”
Financial considerations also play a role. OSU faces a projected 44% drop in athletics revenue for fiscal year 2025 due to the Pac-12 conference breakup, prompting a broader review of budgetary priorities. While the DEI programs were relatively low-cost—estimated at $500,000 annually combined—their discontinuation frees up resources for broader initiatives.
National Trends and Local Impacts
Nationally, the push against DEI has led to varied responses. Some universities, like those in Kansas, have shuttered diversity offices, while others, like Oregon’s, are doubling down on compliance while preserving their missions. A lawsuit filed by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education has challenged the Trump administration’s executive order, securing a preliminary injunction for universities with endowments over $1 billion. OSU and the University of Oregon have also joined 22 research institutions in supporting Harvard University’s lawsuit against federal funding cuts tied to DEI practices.
For OSU students, the impact of the program closures remains uncertain. The university’s 2024 student survey showed that 78% of students felt OSU fostered an inclusive environment, but only 62% of students of color agreed. Torres, the student leader, hopes the university will engage students in shaping the new initiatives. “We need to be part of the conversation,” she said. “If inclusive excellence is the goal, it has to include our voices.”
Looking Ahead
As OSU prepares for the fall 2025 semester, the university is under pressure to deliver on its promise of inclusive excellence. With tuition increases of 3-5% across Oregon’s public universities and growing concerns about affordability, the stakes are high for ensuring all students feel supported. The discontinuation of the Search Advocate Program and Social Justice Education Initiative may be a pragmatic move, but it will test OSU’s ability to innovate in a challenging climate.
For now, the university is focused on transparency and engagement. Odom has promised regular updates on the new initiatives, with a town hall scheduled for September 2025 to gather input from students and faculty. As OSU navigates this transition, its ability to balance external pressures with its commitment to equity will shape its reputation as a leader in inclusive higher education.
“We’re not abandoning diversity,” Odom said. “We’re reimagining how we achieve it.” Whether this reimagination resonates with the OSU community—and withstands the national spotlight—remains to be seen.
