NC State leadership has requested a review of college and unit materials to ensure that language is in alignment with recent updates to the university’s strategic plan and UNC system policies.

All NC State-affiliated websites — regardless of where they’re hosted or who manages them — must comply with the current policies. This includes Extension programs, centers and initiatives with sites housed on external servers.

As such, we’d like to share guidance on how to approach statements about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) on your Extension websites and resources.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

Currently, any statements or language regarding DEI – including individual terms and their various forms – must be revised or removed. Additionally, all content endorsing political or social viewpoints must be removed.

Web content updates apply only to program pages at this time – e.g. it is not necessary to retroactively delete or adjust content in dated materials such as past news articles, stories, meeting minutes or archived resources. However, all current publicly facing materials representing current positions or activities should be reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with the new policy.

View policy implementation guidance provided by the Board of Governors (BOG) for additional context.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

We recommend incorporating the following phrases where applicable, which align with the BOG’s policy and reflect our shared commitment to fostering an open and respectful environment.

These statements are not required; rather, they are examples of messages that comply with the policy update for you to reference as appropriate.

• Extension’s [your center / program] is “dedicated to serving audiences of all backgrounds and fostering a working environment where all employees feel welcomed and respected.”
• Extension has a “longstanding commitment to the equality of opportunity in education and employment as a core value.”
• All members of the Extension community should be “treated as individuals deserving of dignity and support.”
• Extension will “ensure that persons of any and all backgrounds are invited to participate and treated equally.”
• Extension is committed to the “equality of all persons,” including “equality of opportunity for all stakeholders that engage with our services, and for all employees that serve our universities.”
• Extension must ensure that “audiences of all backgrounds are welcomed, invited to participate and supported in their pursuit of knowledge, and that employee well-being remains a top priority.”

Find more specifics in this Equality Policy Q&A.

WHY ARE THESE UPDATES NECESSARY?

According to the UNC Board of Governors, the UNC system’s equality policy was updated to reaffirm its commitment to nondiscrimination, equality of opportunity, institutional neutrality, academic freedom and student success.

Federal partners are also reviewing grants and university materials for compliance. Their primary focus is to identify instances where certain language is “used to promote racial, ethnic and gender preferences, except as required by statute.”

Failure to comply could put funding for Extension and our university at risk.

CONTACTS / QUESTIONS

Our goal is to ensure that our communications reflect Extension’s ongoing dedication to these principles while adhering to the guidelines set forth by the UNC system. Please take the time to review and adjust your content accordingly.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out to Megan Lybrand or Justin Moore in CALS Communications, or Meredith Weinstein in Extension Evaluation and Accountability.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued efforts in making Extension welcoming for all.

Note: These policy updates are separate from the equal opportunity and nondiscrimination statements required on various Extension materials, which remain unchanged.

UNC System Equality Policy Materials

• Equality Within the University of North Carolina (New Policy)
• Guidance Regarding Implementation of Equality Policy

Additional Resources

• Understanding the UNC System’s New Equality Policy (Q&A)
• Extension’s Commitment to Nondiscrimination
• Extension Civil Rights Resources
• CALS Culture and Community
• NC State Office of Equal Opportunity
• N.C. A&T State University Office of Intercultural Engagement