Last Updated on August 29, 2025 by Royce Pierpont
On a crisp Friday morning, the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) campus buzzed with energy as students gathered at Borchuck Plaza near the Memorial Fountain to advocate for inclusivity and transparency following the university’s decision to close its Office of Equity and Inclusion. The peaceful demonstration, which began at 11 a.m., saw dozens of students wielding posters and distributing pamphlets, calling for a renewed commitment to fostering a welcoming campus environment in the wake of significant policy changes.
The closure of ETSU’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, announced in April 2025, has sparked a broader conversation about how universities balance state and federal mandates with their mission to support diverse student populations. The decision, driven by the Tennessee General Assembly’s passage of the Dismantling DEI Departments Act and the Dismantle DEI in Employment Act, reflects a growing trend across the United States where public institutions are reevaluating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These laws prohibit state-funded institutions, including public colleges, from maintaining DEI offices or using race, ethnicity, sex, or age as criteria in employment practices.
A Call for Transparency and Support
Raylee McKenzie, a senior at ETSU and a key organizer of the protest, emphasized that the demonstration was not solely about the closure of the DEI office but about the broader implications for campus culture. “We’re here to address the changes to inclusivity policies on our campus,” McKenzie told reporters. “What we’re really calling for is transparency from the administration. The changes that happened over the spring and summer were not communicated effectively to students, leaving many of us feeling blindsided.”
The university’s restructuring plan, outlined by ETSU President Brian Noland in a campus-wide memo on April 26, 2025, includes the “sunsetting” of the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the creation of two new centers: the Mary V. Jordan Center and the Dr. Patricia Robertson Center. The Mary V. Jordan Center, set to launch in fall 2025, aims to serve as a “front door” for student services, with a focus on supporting low-income and first-generation students. Meanwhile, the Dr. Patricia Robertson Center will combine the former Dr. Patricia Robertson Pride Center and the Women and Gender Resource Center, emphasizing holistic well-being and community connections.
While university officials assert that these changes align with state and federal regulations while maintaining support for all students, many students feel the transition has been poorly communicated. Carmen Webb, co-chair of ETSU’s Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), expressed frustration at the lack of clarity. “We found out about these changes during a club event, not through official channels,” Webb said. “It’s disheartening to learn about something so significant to our community in such a haphazard way.”
A Broader Context of Change
The restructuring at ETSU is part of a larger wave of policy shifts affecting higher education across the United States. In Ohio, for example, Ohio State University students protested the closure of their Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Belonging and Social Change in February 2025, citing premature compliance with federal guidelines. Similarly, Idaho State University students organized a “March in Unity” to oppose cuts to DEI programs. These protests reflect growing concerns among students nationwide about the erosion of institutional support for marginalized groups.
At ETSU, the changes began to surface in March 2025 when students noticed that DEI-related pages on the university’s website were temporarily inaccessible, displaying a message about an ongoing audit to ensure compliance with federal executive orders. Graduate student Mattie Brown, who relies on these resources as a counselor, described the confusion caused by the sudden removal of online content. “I had to physically check if the centers were still open,” Brown said. “This lack of communication creates fear and chaos for students who depend on these services.”
The Tennessee legislation, combined with federal policies issued in early 2025, has placed public universities in a challenging position. The Trump administration’s push to eliminate DEI programs, citing concerns over antisemitism and discriminatory practices, has led to funding threats for non-compliant institutions. According to a report from the National Association of Scholars, at least 60 universities across the U.S. have faced scrutiny or funding cuts related to their DEI initiatives as of August 2025.
Student Voices and Campus Impact
For many ETSU students, the DEI office and related centers were more than administrative units—they were lifelines. Freshman Evie Malone, who attended the protest, shared that the existence of the Pride Center and Women and Gender Resource Center influenced her decision to enroll at ETSU. “I probably wouldn’t have come here if these centers weren’t part of the campus,” Malone said. “They made me feel like I belonged.”
Deron Dean, a 23-year-old finance major and former president of the Black Affairs Association, echoed Malone’s sentiments. “The Multicultural Center was a space for everyone,” Dean said. “It’s disheartening to see it restructured without clear plans for how its mission will continue.” Dean and other students worry that the new centers, while promising broader support, may dilute the specific focus on cultural and identity-based programming.
ETSU administrators, including Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Joe Sherlin, have pledged to maintain support for multicultural student organizations and cultural competency programs through the Carrier Center. “We’re committed to serving all students while adhering to state and federal guidelines,” Sherlin said in a statement. He noted that ongoing dialogue with student leaders will shape the rollout of the new centers in fall 2025.
A History of Activism at ETSU
The August 2025 protest is not the first time ETSU students have taken to the streets to advocate for inclusivity. In February 2024, students rallied against a speaking event featuring Kyle Rittenhouse, organized by the ETSU chapter of Turning Point USA. The Young Democratic Socialists of America led a counter-protest, emphasizing the need for safe spaces on campus. Similarly, in 2021, the ETSU men’s basketball team’s decision to kneel during the national anthem sparked both support and backlash, highlighting ongoing tensions around social justice issues in Johnson City.
These incidents underscore a campus culture where students are unafraid to voice their concerns, even as they navigate a complex political landscape. The 2021 protest, in particular, prompted ETSU President Brian Noland to acknowledge the “polarizing nature” of discussions around diversity and inclusion, noting that they mirror broader societal divides.
Looking Ahead
As ETSU prepares for the fall 2025 semester, with classes set to begin on August 25, the university faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its student body. The incoming freshman class, expected to number around 1,200, will encounter a campus in transition, with nearly 100 students temporarily housed in a nearby hotel due to limited on-campus housing.
Students like McKenzie and Webb remain cautiously optimistic but firm in their demands for transparency and inclusivity. “We want to know that all students will feel safe and supported, no matter what these centers are called,” McKenzie said. “If ETSU can’t provide that, we’ll keep pushing until they do.”
The university has promised to release more details about the Mary V. Jordan and Dr. Patricia Robertson Centers in the coming weeks, with plans to involve student leaders in shaping their programming. For now, the Borchuck Plaza protest serves as a reminder of the power of student activism in shaping the future of higher education. As institutions across the country grapple with similar changes, ETSU’s journey may offer valuable lessons in balancing compliance with the commitment to an inclusive campus community.
