Leaders at Kansas State University plan to remove the word “diversity” from the school’s mission statement to comply with a new state law.
K-State’s previous mission statement, approved in December 2008, says the university “embraces diversity, encourages engagement and is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve.”
The change will replace the word “diversity” with the word “all.”
Kansas State University President Richard Linton told the Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday that the change is designed to comply with a new state law that requires state agencies to eliminate any policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
"We are asking for the change, 'The university embraces all' rather than 'diversity,'" Linton said. "This is to comply with Senate Bill 125."
The law and a subsequent Kansas Board of Regents directive detailed the elimination of diversity initiatives at state universities, including the use of pronoun labels in employee email signatures.
Regents unanimously approved the mission statement change.
Universities across the country have been scaling back diversity efforts and merging or eliminating diversity offices under political pressure from conservative lawmakers who have pushed to rid colleges of any commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.
Kansas and Missouri are among several states whose public university systems have scrapped the use of diversity statements in employment decisions.
A law that went into effect in July 2024 bars Kansas universities from requiring diversity statements in hiring or admissions. Colleges that violate the law could face fines of up to $10,000.
The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees state universities and technical colleges, revised policy language that emphasized “multiculturalism and diversity” on campus.
None of the mission statements of the other state universities include mentions of diversity.
The University of Kansas has posted online that its mission is “to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world.”
Wichita State University says its mission is “to be an essential educational, cultural and economic driver for Kansas and the greater public good.”
A mission statement posted by Fort Hays State University says the university “provides accessible quality education to Kansas, the nation, and the world through an innovative community of teacher-scholars and professionals to develop engaged global citizen-leaders.”
Emporia State University’s mission is “preparing students for lifelong learning, rewarding careers and adaptive leadership.”
Pittsburg State University’s mission, part of its larger strategic plan, is “to make life better through education.”
Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service.
The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KMUW, KCUR, Kansas Public Radio and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.
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