The University of Tennessee, Knoxville continues to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives through a rebranded department, despite scrutiny from lawmakers and a shift in federal priorities.
A video obtained by the Daily Wire features Casey A. Barrio Minton, Professor and Department Head of Counselor Education, revealing that the university’s “Access and Engagement” office maintains the same objectives and programming as the former “Diversity and Inclusion” office.
“They practice DEI?” someone asks in the footage.
“They do,” Barrio Minton responds. “And they do many of the same things.”
The name change has not significantly altered the office’s activities or the overall climate on campus, according to Barrio Minton.
“I haven’t noticed a big shift in the programming. I haven’t noticed a big shift of climate on campus beyond trying to ride the waves,” she said in the video.
The university’s DEI work has come under increased scrutiny as both state lawmakers and the federal government implement new restrictions on identity-based programming in public institutions.
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring DEI-related mandates “illegal” and affirming a national commitment to individual civil rights, merit-based achievement and equal opportunity.
Barrio Minton acknowledged the university’s DEI-related