On July 1, the University of Southern Mississippi changed the titles of their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Formerly known as the Office of Multicultural Engagement, USM’s diversity and inclusion office is now called the Office of Community and Belonging.
One of the main purposes of this rebranding is to broaden the various campus communities and groups that the office supports. With the new title came a new mission statement. The website for the Office of Community and Belonging has the revised mission statement of: “The Office of Community and Belonging provides experiences to foster students’ growth and development and create a more caring and welcoming campus community. We are on a mission to create more globally aware citizens by helping Southern Miss students connect to the surrounding Hattiesburg community through service.”
So far, the programs and organizations the office supports, including the Men of Excellence, the Kennard Scholars program, and Prism, are unchanged. The office still supports these organizations, programs, and events. The physical space itself has also not been altered, other than a new label on the main door showcasing the office’s new name.
These revisions took place over the summer, while most students were not in classes. Many students are unaware of this rebranding and what it could potentially mean for the future of these programs and organizations hosted by this department. It also affects potential future programs under the office.
USM is not the only university to make similar decisions in changing their DEI offices. Other higher education institutions throughout Mississippi are renaming and rebranding their diversity programs, including the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University. Delta State University has completely cut its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department. There have been no legislative mandates that push for these changes. Mississippi universities are making these decisions of their own accord.
Although none of the programs at USM have been majorly affected by this change many still worry about the negative effects this might have and could lead to a complete ban of these programs.