An emergency meeting could decide the future of Kent State’s diversity requirement.

The University Requirements Curriculum Committee is having an emergency meeting at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, to discuss rephrasing the university’s diversity statement and limiting the course offerings for the diversity requirement to Kent Core and study abroad/international course categories.

The meeting comes as universities race to comply with a recent order from the Federal Department of Education, known as the “Dear Colleague” letter, that ordered public universities to end race-based and national origin programs and activities. Ohio Senate Bill 1, which is expected to pass and seeks to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion practices at public universities, also looms large over the university.

An email sent to committee members and obtained by The Kent Stater said “both require urgent restructuring of our diversity requirement.” 

Faculty members from 13 fields sit on the committee. The meeting is not open to the public, according to a spokesperson from the university.

The Provost asked URCC to deliver a recommendation by Friday, Feb. 28. The committee plans to host a meeting that day in which it will vote on a proposal for Fall 2025.

Alton Northup is news director. Contact him at KSNewsDirector@kent.edu.