“We had frequent contact with elected officials over the course of the session, and we hoped the legislature would understand our need to support and advance a culture of diversity and inclusion on our campuses.
“While we appreciate what could have been an $8 million hit being reduced to $436,000, we continue to be concerned about the loss of those important inclusion and diversity programs impacted by this reduction.
“Our commitment to diversity and inclusion hasn’t changed, and I will be working with Chancellor Cheek to address how he plans to move forward.”
– UT President Joe DiPietro on legislative action removing funding from UT Knoxville Office for Diversity & Inclusion