Dean Tamara Futrell’s job title no longer contains the words “diversity” or “inclusion” as the university adjusts to pressure from the Department of Education.  The federal government sent a letter to universities last month threatening to cut their federal funding if they don’t end DEI programs, according to previous Phi reporting.

Since 2018, Futrell has held the title of dean for diversity, inclusion and student engagement. She continues to oversee the Office of Inclusion and Engagement (OIE) but now with a new title: dean of student engagement and leadership, according to her page on the university directory.

Despite changes to Futrell’s title, the OIE website continues to feature language related to diversity, inclusion and social justice.

OIE “develops programs that explore, promote and celebrate the increasingly diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty and staff,” according to its website.

“My staff and I seek to foster ‘harmonious relationships’ by providing opportunities for the campus community to enhance its knowledge about issues of diversity and social justice, cultivate and promote an inclusive community and challenge prejudicial attitudes and behaviors that are contradictory to our core values,” according to Futrell’s statement on the website.

The Phi reached out to Futrell and OIE for comment and received no response.

“The administrative team at W&L is paying close attention to changes in the legal and regulatory landscape, to make sure that our policies and practices continue to be in full compliance with the law,” said President Will Dudley in an emailed statement to the Phi. “At the same time, we are committed to advancing our educational mission and to implementing our Strategic Plan.  Those core commitments persist, and we will adapt as necessary if there are changes to applicable laws and regulations.”