As legislative pressure and shifting federal guidance put diversity, equity and inclusion programs under the microscope, students at the University of Nebraska system are grappling with the closures of critical support offices – and wondering what’s next.
In August, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For many students, the news came not just as a shock, but as a warning sign. University of Nebraska-Omaha followed suit shortly after, citing a “Dear Colleague” letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights as justification.
Now, students at UNK fear their Intercultural Engagement and Leadership office may be next.
At UNL, the students, staff and faculty have already felt the fallout from the closure. The office once offered mentorship, advising and support staff who reflected the diverse identities of the student body. Without it, students are expressing concern about their ability to find trusted adults on campus – those who look like them, understand their experiences and can support their identity-based student organizations.
“There’s a lot of fear,” said Elizabeth Herbin, student body president at UNL. “It’s not just about the physical space. It’s about what it represented and who was there to guide students who often feel isolated.”
Following the closure, UNL’s student government held a town hall where students voiced frustration and sadness. Many relied on the office not just for services but for community. The concern extended beyond day-to-day resources. Students worried about the sustainability of student organizations and how the closure might impact their students.
That sentiment was echoed by students at UNK.
“I didn’t think it would actually happen until Lincoln’s office shut down,” said UNK junior and Intercultural Engagement and Leadership scholar, Avery Laing. “But as soon as it did, I immediately thought, if Lincoln can do it, why not Kearney?”
For students at UNK, the office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership is more than an office – it’s a lifeline. It offers scholarship support, a food pantry, cultural programs and a sense of belonging in a rural town where students may not see themselves represented outside the University.
“This is the only place where some of us feel seen,” Laing said. “If you take this office away in Kearney, it’s not like we can go out into the community and find the same thing. Our entire community is on this campus.”
Sam Schroeder, UNK’s student body president, has led listening sessions to gather student feedback and share it with campus administration. These conversations stemmed from concerns about the future of DEI efforts at UNK, especially in the context of statewide politics and budget proposals. Bills such as LB552, which seeks to cut state funding for DEI programs, have added to the uncertainty.
“This is the third year this bill has been introduced, and it’s still in committee,” Schroeder said. “But the conversation matters whether the bill passes or not. These listening sessions were a way to hear students out and plan for whatever happens.”
Students shared fears about declining involvement in DEI-related organizations and a lack of consistent advising and leadership, which has created additional stress for students trying to maintain momentum in their clubs. As staff leave or positions remain unfilled, students are left to juggle recruitment, event planning and navigate university bureaucracy with little guidance.
“Our office used to help handle the logistics,” said Esther Uma, a UNK senior. “Now it feels like it’s all on us, and most of us don’t even know the processes to follow. It’s overwhelming.”
The closures have also put scholarship programs at risk. Many students involved with the office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership are recipients of scholarships tied to their participation in the office’s programming. The potential loss of those scholarships has created a deep sense of unease.
“Money is important, but it’s the mentorship and support that really keep us going,” Uma said. “Without it, some of us wouldn’t even be here.”
For Schroeder and others in student government, maintaining access to these resources is top priority. He said the administration has discussed contingency plans, including restructuring the office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership under Student Engagement if necessary. Funding conversations are also underway. If state money is cut, there may still be options through donor funding or student fees.
“I believe our campus leadership values what this office provides,” Schroeder said. “They understand how important it is for recruitment, retention and student success.”
Still, funding for student organizations has already taken a hit. Most groups now receive just $250 per semester. Students noted that even basic events, like educational programs or community-building activities, are harder to pull off. Larger events, like cultural festivals or fashion shows, have become financially unsustainable without additional support.
Students also spoke about the broader climate on campus. While outright discrimination may be rare, many said they’ve encountered microaggressions or ignorance about their organizations and the purpose of DEI offices.
“It’s not always hostile,” Uma said. “Sometimes it’s just people not understanding why we exist. But that lack of understanding still makes it harder to feel welcome.”
Many students at UNK come from small towns where DEI isn’t part of the conversation, which means incoming freshmen may be unaware these resources even exist. Students say better outreach is needed – especially during campus tours and orientation events – to build awareness early.
“Some students don’t even know this office is here,” said Mallory Tobias, a campus tour guide. “And sometimes they’re afraid to ask, especially if they’re touring with parents who might not support these ideas.”
Despite the challenges, students remain determined to preserve what they’ve built. Ideas like increased collaboration between cultural organizations, more intentional recruitment and fundraising events are being explored by students.
“There’s still good happening,” Uma said. “Our organizations matter. The people in them matter. And we’re going to keep fighting for spaces where we all belong.”
