University of Alberta President Criticizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as ‘Divisive,’ Plans to Implement Alternative Approach

January 2, 2025 TruthUSA

University of Alberta president Bill Flanagan says the school is shifting its focus away from diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) objectives towards fostering community.

Flanagan made these comments in a Jan. 2, 2025, opinion piece for the Edmonton Journal.

“It is not the university’s role to take ideological positions but rather to create an environment that encourages dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of knowledge,” he wrote.

“As the first major Canadian university to embrace access, community, and belonging, we are leading the way in reimagining how universities can foster excellence, open inquiry, and rigorous debate.”

Flanagan mentioned that the decision came after consulting with over 1,000 community members.

He also noted that for some, DEI language had become divisive, focusing more on differences than shared humanity.

Flanagan also mentioned that some viewed DEI as an “ideological bias at odds with merit.”

“Words matter, and this evolution aims to craft a shared narrative with aligned actions that resonate more universally, emphasizing common ground and fostering authentic connections,” he wrote.

At the university, the terms diversity, equality, and inclusivity will be replaced with “access, community, and belonging,” he said.

“Access signals our ongoing work to remove financial and social barriers, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Community underscores our belief in collective well-being and shared purpose. Belonging reflects our goal to cultivate spaces where individuals feel valued for their unique contributions,” Flanagan wrote.

Flanagan highlighted that the university’s DEI efforts were initially aimed at fulfilling the mission outlined by the first U of A president, Henry Marshall Tory, to create a just institution promoting unity in diversity.

Flanagan expressed that the time has come for the university to evolve in order to better embody the community it aspires to be.

U of A is recognized as a top Canadian university, with over 41,000 students, five campus locations, and 200+ undergraduate programs.

Flanagan was re-appointed for a second term as president and vice-chancellor in June 2024.

Numerous U.S. universities have abandoned their DEI practices for hiring and promotions in the past year, including prominent institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan.

Several major corporations have also recently announced they will cease their DEI programs, such as John Deere, Tractor Supply Co., Harley Davidson, Lowes, Ford Motors, and Toyota, among others.

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