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, federal mandates (e.g. Jan. 20 and Feb. 14), and UNC system policy.

As such, we’re sharing guidance to help you develop / update compliant content for your Extension websites and resources.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

Generally speaking, the policy updates revolve around two core requirements:

1. Institutional Neutrality: No university-affiliated entity or individual may be organized or operated around — nor may they endorse or express opinions about — contemporary political or social viewpoints.
2. Prohibition of Promoting Certain Concepts: No university-affiliated entity or individual may be organized or operated to promote any of these concepts.

As a result, you should closely review your sites / materials for any language or statements that could be construed as promoting racial, ethnic and gender preferences, as well as political or social viewpoints, and revise or remove that content. Moving forward, social media accounts should avoid posting any such content.

This includes removing all references regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), including individual terms and their various forms. Instead, incorporating phrases from the UNC system equality policy or Board of Governors’ policy implementation guidance may be helpful.

RELATED: Guidance on Extension Employee Political Activities

DOES THIS INCLUDE ALL OF MY CONTENT?

At this time, web content updates apply only to program pages – it is NOT necessary to retroactively delete or adjust content in dated materials such as past news posts, older linked files, meeting minutes, archived resources, etc. Again, dated content and required statements (e.g. nondiscrimination statement) currently do not require updating.

That said, prominent public-facing materials — especially the most visible content, such as homepages, lobby displays, etc. — that represent current information or activities should be reviewed (and updated as needed) to ensure compliance.

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

Events that support specific identities are allowed going forward, but they must be open to all members of the community — this should be clear in the posting.

Find more specifics in this Equality Policy Q&A Explainer.

WHY ARE THESE UPDATES NECESSARY?

According to the 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.

Additionally, federal partners are reviewing grants and university resources for compliance.

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

CONTACTS / QUESTIONS

Our goal is to ensure that Extension’s communications reflect our ongoing dedication to excellence in serving all North Carolinians while adhering to current 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 further clarification, please reach out to Megan Lybrand or Justin Moore in CALS Communications, or Meredith Weinstein in Extension Evaluation and Accountability. We’re here to support you.

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 statement required on Extension materials, which remains unchanged.

Nondiscrimination and other required statements should still be included on print and digital materials. We have not received guidance from the UNC system, USDA or NC State to change any wording or discontinue use. Until that time, we will continue using the current statements.

UNC System Equality Policy Materials

• Equality Within the University of North Carolina (New Policy)
• Implementation Guidance for Equality Policy
• Understanding the UNC System’s New Equality Policy (Q&A)

Executive Actions

• Presidential Action on DEI (The White House)
• DEI Compliance Letter (U.S. Department of Education)
• Executive Action Updates (NC State)

Additional Resources

• 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