Last week, we announced the closure of the office of inclusive engagement (OIE) and the discontinuation of the Collaborative Diversity Conference and the Inclusive Excellence Awards Gala. For many in the university, this was not completely unexpected given the scrutiny of all things diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) nationally and in the state of Missouri.

As with any action of this magnitude, there have been many questions among our students and larger community. Thanks to everyone who has been talking with concerned students, families, alums and community members to help them better understand the impact of the closure. I also appreciate the united message sent by the Faculty Senate chair, Staff Senate chair and Student Government Association president reiterating their commitment to a welcoming campus community.

I wanted to take a moment to address some of the questions and misconceptions, so we’re all able to be a resource.

• The OIE was not a student facing organization. The office provided educational support to the campus and community regarding inclusive excellence.
• Student scholarships, regardless of the name of the scholarship, are not impacted by the OIE’s closure. All students will retain their scholarships in accordance with the normal university renewal process. Current recipients of the Inclusive Excellence scholarship will continue to receive the award as long as they meet renewal criteria.
• The Disability Resource Center, Learning Diagnostic Center and office of institutional compliance are not closing. They’ll continue to provide the same services they have in the past.
• The Multicultural Resource Center is re-envisioning its focus and will structure its offerings to provide resources, services and space that supports all students.
• Student organizations and clubs are not being canceled or eliminated.
• Curriculum will not be impacted.
• We will continue to celebrate heritage months and events.
• Funding cuts could be made in the budget process even without the passage of a bill that would impose statutory prohibitions on DEI spending.
• Our annual state appropriation is approximately $113.2 million. That equates to 38% of the university’s operating budget.

Over many, many years, Missouri State University has created a campus that is supportive of our students — creating a safe environment to learn, grow and develop into adults who are prepared for a changing world. This culture, this environment doesn’t cease to exist because we closed an office. We move forward with the same education and development opportunities that we had a week ago, a month ago, a year ago.

We are Missouri State. That doesn’t change.

Biff