The University of Alabama is closing its DEI office and shifting staff to a new division responsible for “opportunities, connections and success,” President Stuart Bell told university staff Tuesday.

Changes to all three University of Alabama System campuses and diversity, equity and inclusion programming are likely, though a system official has not yet responded to a request for comment from AL.com.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham also told staff Tuesday that it would close its DEI office, citing a law recently signed by Gov. Kay Ivey that bans DEI offices, programming and training in public colleges and other state agencies. SB129 will become effective Oct. 1, 2024.

“Recent changes to state and federal laws prompted a comprehensive review of campus programs, resources and initiatives to ensure they are committed to student and employee success and comply with applicable law,” Bell said in a letter to students, faculty and staff.

“Differences, including differences of opinion shared with civility, strengthen our campus community. Our faculty, staff and students will continue to engage in free speech, exercise academic freedom and join in wide-ranging thought and discussion on issues that impact our world,” Bell wrote.

Tuesday, the University of Alabama at Birmingham also said it would close its DEI office.

But it’s not clear whether the schools are making significant changes to staff and programming — or just renaming offices.

In Tuscaloosa, the Division of Opportunities, Connections and Success has been opened and will be led by Christine Taylor, who formerly led the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

And UAB is erecting a new Office of Access and Engagement has been erected, led by Paulette Dilworth, who formerly led the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

In an internal email Tuesday, UAB President Ray Watts said the new office will focus on making sure “everyone has access to available programs and resources they need to succeed,” and pointing out plans to support students and faculty who are first-generation students, veterans or coming from rural areas.

Watts also stressed that legal protections remain for research, teaching and programming that support specific gender, race and affinity groups.

Other campuses have seen similar changes this year. Earlier in the summer, Jacksonville State closed its DEI office. And at the University of Texas at Austin, about 50 staff members who previously worked in diversity, equity and inclusion roles were laid off in compliance with state law, according to news reports.

Universities also are managing updated guidance since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 struck down race-conscious admissions. Alabama colleges do not practice race-conscious admissions, but have shifted their approach to some scholarship and affinity programs.