The shuttering of diversity and inclusion offices on Lincoln and Omaha campuses of the University of Nebraska is obviously the result of political pressure to turn back the hands of time on all of us.

It is inconsistent with the university’s stated mission and values to eliminate the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and to close two offices at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. We believe that Chancellor Rodney Bennett, in closing the UNL office, is acting on the wishes of Governor Pillen and like-minded state senators and university regents. They have violated the trust of many parents and students. This action fails to protect and improve the well-being of all students, including black and brown students, women, LGBTQIA+ students, persons with disabilities and the faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska.

While the Lincoln and Omaha Branches of the NAACP continue to value our relationship with the University, we will also be vigilant. We feel it is imperative that initiatives be urgently developed and implemented that will right this wrong.

We urge the citizens of Nebraska to stand with us by taking a few minutes to email their NU regents, their state senators and Governor Jim Pillen to express displeasure with the disbanding of these diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The shuttering of diversity and inclusion offices on Lincoln and Omaha campuses of the University of Nebraska is obviously the result of political pressure to turn back the hands of time on all of us.

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