The Faculty Executive Committee met this afternoon and released the following statement addressed to the chancellor and provost regarding the general education curriculum:
To: Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and Provost J. Christopher Clemens
From: Faculty Executive Committee
Today, the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) met to discuss the February 5, 2025 memorandum to UNC System chancellors regarding federal contracting compliance. The memo directs UNC campuses to immediately suspend any general education requirements that mandate completion of course credits related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
We believe that the IDEAs in Action curriculum is unaffected by the February 5 memo. Under the general education requirements set by IDEAs in Action, no student is required to take a course in DEI. We acknowledge that the Making Connections curriculum that we are transitioning away from includes a U.S. diversity requirement that you have determined is affected. Because some of our current students are under the previous curriculum, we understand that decisions about the former curriculum’s requirements must be made quickly and the faculty governance structure stands ready to work with you to make determinations as promptly as possible.
The curriculum of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the responsibility of the faculty and faculty take great care in creating and implementing a robust program of study for our students. We are concerned about additions or deletions to the curriculum that are in violation of the shared governance principles the Faculty Council has voted to support. We request and appreciate your continued advocacy for the faculty and our students on this issue.
Access a PDF of the statement at this link.
