A Message from the President – UA Update on Alabama Act 2024-34 (Senate Bill 129)
- July 23rd, 2024
- in Messages from the President
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
The University of Alabama serves a critical role in the growth of the educational, economic and social condition of the State of Alabama and our nation. A significant factor in our success is the continuous development of opportunities for students and employees of all backgrounds and beliefs to access this institution, connect with others, enhance our campus community, and achieve their academic and professional goals.
Recent changes to state and federal laws prompted a comprehensive review of campus programs, resources and initiatives to ensure they are committed to student and employee success and comply with applicable law. It is important to note we will continue to provide resources and support to every member of our campus community, as our commitment to each individual’s success remains steadfast. Among other modifications UA is making to ensure compliance, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will close.
Our mission has not wavered, and we remain committed to our institutional goals to welcome all, serve all and see all thrive and succeed. To that end, Dr. Christine Taylor will lead the new Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success, an organization charged with promoting success for everyone in the UA community. Dr. Taylor possesses a wealth of experience in the areas of student and employee access, engagement and achievement. Under her leadership, OCS will offer three primary initiatives that support our goal of preparing all students and employees for success on campus and beyond:
- Opportunities – increasing access to higher education through heightened academic support and services to Alabama students and families with lower college attendance rates.
- Connections – fostering campuswide initiatives on free speech and civil discourse.
- Success – preparing students for the global workforce by enhancing skills and competencies sought by employers and by helping students and employees understand and effectively work with individuals from varying backgrounds.
More information is available on the new division’s website.
Information related to Alabama Act 2024-34 (formerly SB 129) is available online, and additional details and guidance will be shared in the weeks ahead as we approach the Oct. 1 enforcement date. Some website updates and other processes may take time to go into effect. We appreciate The University of Alabama System leadership, including legal and government affairs, and their guidance throughout this process to help ensure our mission of teaching, research and service remains the priority.
Differences, including differences of opinion shared with civility, strengthen our campus community. Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom, and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world.
UA has seen tremendous gains over the past decade — in enrollment and in creating an atmosphere where every individual, regardless of background, can be successful. We graduate more students than any other institution in the state, building an even stronger workforce and contributing to a growing economy and more engaged society. That commitment remains as strong as ever, and our institutional goals remain steadfastly dedicated to providing resources to equip all members of our campus community. We will continue to assess how we can best serve our campus community and achieve those goals, and I appreciate every student, faculty and staff member who works diligently to support these efforts.
Stuart R. Bell
President