Pitt Replaces DEI Office With New Department Amid Federal Pressure

The University of Pittsburgh has officially closed its Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and launched a new Office of Institutional Engagement and Well-Being in its place.

According to WTAE, the change comes as universities across the country face pressure from the federal government to move away from race-based initiatives. In February, the U.S. Department of Education warned schools receiving federal funds to stop “using race preferences and stereotypes.” While some institutions responded immediately, Pitt did not, and later joined Harvard’s lawsuit against the Trump administration over academic freedom.

Administrators said the new department will continue to handle many of the same responsibilities, including civil rights compliance, Title IX enforcement, ADA accessibility, and sexual misconduct prevention.

Some students have expressed disappointment with the shift.

“DEI is important to students here,” said Austin Wise, a senior and co-president of Pitt Dems. “Students want DEI. We know that it is effective in fostering a more productive, more creative workforce.”

Sophomore Riley Fallecker said the university has an obligation to lead on these issues.

“Because we are such a big school, I think we kind of set a precedent for the rest of the state and the rest of the country on how to treat these minorities,” Fallecker said.

In a letter to the community, Chancellor Joan Gabel said the transition “allows us to meet this moment while advancing values that have long defined our university: integrity, fairness, inclusion, and a belief in the possibilities for every member of our community.”

Wise said he understands the university’s concern over losing federal funding but called the change unfortunate.

“It’s really unfortunate to see the attacks by the administration and our administration having to make this move,” he said. “But I understand where they’re coming from, being scared of that federal funding being cut.”