MU Reacts To Morrisey DEI Order

In remarks made Feb. 5 to the Marshall University Board of Governors, followed by a university-wide email announcement, President Brad Smith expressed two commitments: First, to foster an environment where students, faculty, and staff have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Second, to merit-based hiring, equal pay for equal work, and compliance with all federal and state laws. 

In Executive Order 3-25, Gov. Patrick Morrisey says that no state-funded entity shall support any DEI staff positions, activities, procedures or programs.

Smith said, unlike West Virginia University and other institutions, Marshall did not have to dismantle its Diversity Equity and Inclusion division because it had already been revamped. 

“In April of 2023, we had a presidential commission on DEI that we had already transitioned over to focus on Marshall for All to ensure that all students have a level playing field,” Smith said. 

The “Marshall For All, Marshall Forever” program highlights public-private  partnerships allowing selected students to graduate debt free. Smith’s long range goal is to include all students in the initiative.  

Marshall has taken down at least five diversity related web pages. Board of Governors member Bill Smith, a former Cabell County Schools superintendent and an African-American, said he has concerns about MU positions like Assistant Provost for Inclusive Excellence and programs like the school’s Women’s Gender and Sexuality studies.

“Nothing’s off the table,” Bill Smith said. “I think those are all in jeopardy until we sort this out. I am pleased to hear that he’s done some background work. He has people working on campus about it, and getting some idea about where we are and what we may need to do.”

In his announcement, Brad Smith said Marshall is looking for state verification that categories like accreditation requirements, certain health services and federal observances like black history and pride months are not prohibited by the governor’s Executive Order.  

The school is also seeking guidance on areas that appear to be non-compliant and need action – like DEI-related names or programs – and activities offering special benefits to specific groups based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. 

Within that context, Brad Smith reiterated the university’s keystone commitment.

“I will tell you that we are committed to merit based hiring, equal pay for equal work and compliance with all the federal and state laws,” he said. “I’m excited that we are leaning forward and we’re reviewing every single executive order and comparing it against every program we have on campus.”

Board member Bill Smith said he takes issue with an interpreted meaning of the term “merit based.” 

“I don’t think the politicians have really defined what they mean by merit,” he Smith said. “I think it has boiled down to pretty much what white racism or white supremacy would call merit. That’s what we’re going to be struggling with, and I intend to have my voice heard, and we’ll keep talking about it till we get it sorted out.”

Brad Smith said Marshall now has 90 days to define and remedy any areas of DEI executive order conflict.