Last Updated on July 19, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke

Mississippi’s public universities are undergoing a significant transformation in their approach to fostering inclusive campus environments, following a recent decision by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board of Trustees. The board’s approval of new policies aligning with House Bill 1193 marks a shift from traditional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks toward a broader emphasis on student access, opportunity, and academic success. This move, which has sparked both support and debate across the state, reflects a growing national trend to redefine how universities address inclusivity and compliance with federal and state laws.

A New Direction for Mississippi’s Universities

On July 17, 2025, the IHL Board of Trustees convened in Jackson to discuss and approve two key policies aimed at ensuring compliance with House Bill 1193, a state law passed earlier this year to regulate DEI initiatives in public institutions. The first policy, titled “Non-Discrimination,” emphasizes that academic opportunities, employment, and student engagement at Mississippi’s eight public universities—Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi—will be based solely on merit, qualifications, and academic performance. The policy explicitly prohibits considerations of race, sex, color, national origin, or participation in DEI-related activities as conditions for enrollment, employment, or academic advancement.

The second policy, “Academic Responsibility,” underscores the IHL’s commitment to fostering an educational environment free from ideological mandates. It ensures that faculty and students are not required to adhere to specific viewpoints, including those related to DEI, and protects free speech by prohibiting compelled expressions of belief. Faculty retain autonomy to design curricula, provided they meet rigorous academic standards and align with institutional goals, such as workforce preparedness and student demand.

These policies come in response to House Bill 1193, which was debated intensely during the 2025 legislative session. The bill, signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves, prohibits state-funded institutions from implementing DEI policies that could be interpreted as discriminatory or ideologically driven. It also establishes mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations, reflecting a broader push to align Mississippi’s higher education system with new federal interpretations of civil rights laws under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A Response to National and State Trends

The IHL’s actions align with a national shift in higher education, particularly in conservative states, where DEI programs have faced scrutiny. In January 2025, executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aimed to curb DEI initiatives across federal agencies and public institutions, citing concerns over discriminatory practices. A “Dear Colleague” letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, issued on February 14, 2025, warned that universities failing to comply with these new interpretations risk losing federal funding. Mississippi’s public universities, which collectively receive millions in federal grants annually, have moved swiftly to adapt.

For example, Mississippi State University renamed its Holmes Cultural Diversity Center to the Holmes Center for Student Success in March 2025, focusing on supporting first-generation students, low-income students, and those from foster care. Similarly, the University of Southern Mississippi rebranded its diversity office as the Office of Community and Belonging, while the University of Mississippi replaced its Division of Diversity and Community Engagement with a new Division of Access, costing $1.5 million to implement. These changes reflect a strategic pivot toward inclusive programs that prioritize universal student success over race-based initiatives.

Voices from the Ground: Support and Concerns

The IHL’s new policies have elicited a range of reactions. Supporters argue that the shift promotes fairness and meritocracy. “This is about ensuring every student has an equal shot at success based on their hard work and abilities,” said John Sewell, IHL Director of Communications. “Our universities are committed to preparing students for the workforce while maintaining an environment where ideas can be freely explored.” Sewell emphasized that the policies aim to support all students, particularly in a state where only 24% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the national average of 39%.

At Jackson State University, a historically Black university with nearly 10,000 students, Interim President Denise Jones Gregory expressed cautious optimism. “We’re focused on ensuring our students—many of whom are first-generation—have the resources they need to graduate and thrive,” she said during the IHL’s May 2025 meeting. Jackson State has introduced new degree programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Public Health Informatics and Analytics, to meet workforce demands and boost graduation rates, which currently hover around 45% for six-year cohorts.

However, critics, including civil rights groups and education advocates, argue that the policies could undermine efforts to support underrepresented groups. The Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) filed a lawsuit in June 2025, alleging that House Bill 1193 violates constitutional protections for free speech and equal protection. “DEI programs have been critical in creating inclusive classrooms and ensuring opportunities for minority students,” said MAE Executive Director Erica Jones. The lawsuit claims the new policies could limit discussions on historical topics, such as Mississippi’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, and even affect literature courses featuring authors like William Faulkner.

Students, too, have voiced concerns. At Mississippi State University, senior Aaliyah Johnson, a first-generation student, said, “The Holmes Center has been a lifeline for students like me. Renaming it is fine, but I hope the support for underrepresented students doesn’t disappear.” Enrollment data from fall 2024 shows Mississippi’s public universities serve a diverse student body, with 38% of students identifying as Black, 55% as White, and 7% as other racial or ethnic groups. Critics fear that removing DEI frameworks could disproportionately affect Black students, who make up a significant portion of the state’s 77,000 public university students.

A Focus on Student Outcomes

Despite the debate, Mississippi’s universities are doubling down on student success initiatives. The IHL has approved several new degree programs in 2025 to address workforce needs and boost graduation rates. For instance, Mississippi University for Women launched a Master of Arts in Teaching to address the state’s shortage of 2,775 teachers, including 815 elementary vacancies, as reported by the Mississippi Department of Education’s 2023-24 Educator Shortage Survey. Mississippi State University added a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, a first-of-its-kind program in the state, to prepare students for careers in a field projected to grow 37% nationally by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The IHL is also investing in infrastructure to support student success. In October 2024, the board approved a $494.4 million bond proposal for capital improvements across the eight universities, including $47.9 million for Jackson State to fund a new residence hall and campus safety projects. These investments aim to address housing shortages and improve campus facilities, which are critical for retaining students. Mississippi’s public universities have seen a slight enrollment decline, with 77,000 students in fall 2023 compared to 80,000 in 2018, partly due to the national “enrollment cliff” caused by declining birth rates post-2008.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Compliance and Inclusion

As Mississippi’s universities navigate these changes, the IHL faces the challenge of balancing compliance with state and federal mandates while maintaining an inclusive environment. The board’s next meeting, scheduled for August 21, 2025, will include a progress report on programs under academic review, such as Jackson State’s M.S. in Hazardous Materials Management, which is subject to additional scrutiny due to low graduate numbers.

For now, the IHL’s policies signal a new chapter for Mississippi’s higher education system—one focused on merit, access, and student success. Whether this approach will bridge divides or deepen them remains a topic of heated discussion across the state. As Trustee Gee Ogletree, who assumed the IHL presidency in April 2025, stated, “Our goal is to honor the legacy of all our students by ensuring they have the tools to succeed in a competitive world.”