‘DEI means all of us’: Protesters call on University of Nebraska to scrap changes to bylaws

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The University of Nebraska is considering sweeping changes to its bylaws that would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programming and affirmative action.

Dozens of students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln stood shoulder to shoulder Wednesday at the downtown campus, raising fists and calling on university officials to reconsider the proposal.

Opponents said this move could reshape campus life, saying DEI efforts are about identity, safety and being seen on this campus.

Students said there are multiple organizations on campus where people can gather with others like them.

“And if DEI is under attack, those programs, I’m not sure if they will still be there,” said Airalon, a sophomore. “I’m not sure if I will have the opportunity to be in those spaces to feel comfortable and connected with my peers in those ways.”

Another sophomore, Aida, said if that happens, she’s “going to feel disconnected, not as like in a community, as I wanted to here on campus.”

The university’s draft plan would phase out DEI offices and remove affirmative action hiring tied to race and gender identity.

NU proposed these changes to bring its campuses into alignment with new federal policies.

The U.S. Department of Education has called DEI discriminatory and said eliminating such programs ensures everybody is treated equally.

NU sent Channel 8 the following statement:

“The University of Nebraska is deeply committed to fostering an environment where a wide range of perspectives are not only welcomed but encouraged across all of our campuses, colleges and programs. Our priority remains to provide students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of ideas and viewpoints. Potential changes to University bylaws and policies to be considered by the Board of Regents uphold these ideals, while also continuing to align with the Nebraska Constitution, as well as the recent requirements from the U.S. Department of Education.”

Opponents said the plan stripps away support systems and erases the very communities DEI was meant to protect.

“DEI means all of us, and I really wanted to call out the fact that DEI includes white women because a lot of the times people think DEI means Black people or it means immigrants,” said Maghie Miller-Jenkins, a community activist. “DEI means white women, DEI means people with disabilities, DEI includes a lot more people than people think.”

One former professor said she’s speaking out for the sake of future generations.

“I have granddaughters and great-granddaughters who are Native, and I feel like this university is theirs in a way that it isn’t mine,” said Fran Kaye, a former UNL professor of English and ethnic studies. “And it is completely wrong to pretend that it isn’t.”

The Board of Regents will be voting on the plan on Friday.