Short History Leading to the Development of Access & Engagement at University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming follows state, local, and federal laws and is committed to developing a vibrant campus community where all members can thrive.  Whether you are a faculty or staff member or a student, UW provides access to a variety of resources to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be successful inside and outside the classroom. The timeline below identifies key actions that lead to the creation and ongoing development of Access & Engagement at UW.

 

  • Early 2024: During the 2024 Wyoming Legislative budget session, lawmakers adopted footnote 12 to section 0.67 HB0001 House Enrolled Act 50, prohibiting funds from this appropriation to be expended on the office of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Wyoming and any diversity, equity, or inclusion programs, activities or functions
  • March 2024: President Seidel charged the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Review Working Group to review UW’s DEI activities and provide suggestions on which programs, activities, and functions should be continued, modified or discontinued.
  • March 2024: Governor Gordon line-item vetoed the “programs, activities, or functions” portion of the footnote
  • April 2024: The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Review Working group submitted its report to President Seidel
  • May 2024: The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees adopted the Equal Opportunity and Prohibited Efforts Statement
  • July 2024: The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was closed and key activities transitioned
  • August 2024: Brandon McElroy appointed Vice Provost for Access & Engagement through August 2025
  • October 2024: Access & Engagement Working Group Charged by President Seidel to support Vice Provost McElroy in aligning campus activities with law and policy.
  • March 2025: UW pauses activities that are exclusionary or preferential in name only (even if open to all) related to sex or race
  • June 2025: Standard Administrative Policy (SAP) on Equal Opportunity, Allowable Efforts and Prohibited Functions, and Institutional Discrimination becomes effective
  • July 2025: Wyoming law HB147 - Prohibition of institutional discrimination which details prohibited practices by state governmental agencies based on a person’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin becomes active

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