Portland State University Closes DEI Office: A New Direction for Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

Portland State University (PSU) is making significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, but it’s not abandoning them. President Ann Cudd recently unveiled plans to reorganize the university’s structure, with changes rolling out in 2026.

Key among these changes is the relocation of student support services, like multicultural student services, from the Global Diversity and Inclusion office to the Office of Academic Affairs. This move means the Global Diversity and Inclusion office will be closing down.

Cudd plans to hire a new chief diversity officer who will report directly to her and work with various departments across campus. Some current positions may be eliminated, while others will be created. According to university spokesperson Katy Swordfisk, these changes will unfold in two phases starting January 1, and it’s too early to determine how many jobs will be impacted.

In a recent email to students, Ame Lambert, the outgoing vice president of Global Diversity and Inclusion, shared her emotions about the changes. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the impact over the past 15 years and urged the community to celebrate their achievements.

These changes come amid a federal investigation into allegations of antisemitism at PSU. While changes in the university’s structure may seem linked to external pressures, Swordfisk clarified that they stem from a thorough review by the Huron Consulting Group in 2022, aimed at improving support services.

Huron’s recommendations focused on streamlining operations for better student experiences. Swordfisk stated that consolidating functions under Academic Affairs would simplify the student journey from application to graduation.

PSU is also designated as a Minority Serving Institution, with over half of its 20,470 students identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Swordfisk reassured that the university’s commitment to equity and support for diverse backgrounds remains unchanged.

However, the student body has mixed feelings about these changes. Brady Roland, President of the Associated Students of Portland State University, expressed confusion and concern about potential layoffs and the adequacy of DEI offerings being transitioned under Academic Affairs. She fears these services might not be as accessible to students.

Many students have raised issues regarding what they see as “administrative bloat” at PSU. They often ask why the university cuts faculty while maintaining a sizable administrative structure. Roland believes cutting the Global Diversity and Inclusion office is not the ideal solution.

As these changes take shape, student voices may not have been sufficiently included in decision-making processes. Roland highlights a crucial gap: administrators might have good intentions, but they often overlook consulting the students most affected by these moves.

In conclusion, while PSU’s intentions may focus on improved student support, the response from students and faculty suggests a need for more inclusive conversations before implementing significant changes. The future of PSU’s DEI efforts will depend on how they balance these structural adjustments with the needs and voices of their community.

For more on PSU’s DEI initiatives, visit PSU’s official website.

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