Butler University has decided to drop the requirement for students to complete a class on social justice and diversity before graduating. This announcement was made on July 24, and it’s a move that raises some eyebrows.
The primary reason cited is to protect the university’s eligibility for federal and state funding, including financial aid. Butler officials have clarified that while the requirement has been removed, courses focusing on social justice and diversity will still be available.
This requirement was introduced in the fall of 2020, as part of Butler’s core curriculum. It aimed to ensure that students engage with important social issues. Students could choose classes from a range of topics like “Native American Cultures” and “Agriculture and Food Justice.” These options were designed to help them understand systemic issues affecting various communities.
The decision to eliminate the requirement came shortly after Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita questioned Butler about its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. He had also sent similar inquiries to other institutions, such as DePauw University and the University of Notre Dame.
Rokita commented positively on Butler’s recent changes but emphasized that his office will continue scrutinizing the university’s DEI practices. He cited ongoing national discussions around the effectiveness and necessity of such programs in higher education, particularly as they relate to funding and governance.
Interestingly, the push for a social justice requirement at Butler started several years ago. Back in 2014, a group of faculty members suggested this idea as part of efforts to address sexual assault on campus. They believed that if the university aimed to create a diverse campus environment, it needed to ensure that minority students felt welcomed and supported. Terri Carney, a former director of the program, noted that students often expressed regret over not learning about these crucial topics earlier.
While Carney expressed disappointment over the university’s decision, she understands the financial pressures driving it. However, she voiced concerns that this might reflect a broader trend of diminishing support for DEI initiatives across campuses in the U.S. As of 2023, a survey showed that 60% of American universities have faced some level of scrutiny related to their DEI programs, prompting many to reconsider their commitments to social justice education.
Historians and educators highlight the significance of standing firm on issues of equity, especially at institutions founded on values of justice and inclusion, like Butler. Carney argues that walking away from these commitments could represent a significant setback for civil rights, echoing sentiments from the Civil Rights Movement.
Butler University claims that even without the requirement, students will still have opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding these topics. However, concerns persist that the removal of requirements could lead to further cuts in programming, which many view as a critical part of a holistic education.
