University of Alabama faculty have denounced state and federal crackdowns on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

In a resolution voted on and approved April 22, faculty said anti-DEI actions have had a “chilling effect” on their ability to teach and research. They said “unwarranted threats of dismissal” have made faculty afraid and have made students unable to express their freedoms.

“This is not a political statement or meant to be a negative action,” president Matthew Hudnall told AL.com. “Instead, it is a genuine attempt to convey to our faculty, staff, students, and the public that the University of Alabama stands behind academic freedom. We will provide our students with the education and tools necessary to blaze paths that are both honorable and impactful.”

According to the resolution, faculty recently have been reported, investigated and warned of potential disciplinary action.

“Recent federal enactments, state legislation and the [University of Alabama] System’s broad enforcement of them have had a chilling effect on the academic project of teaching about and engaging with social, political, and historical issues in intellectually honest ways,” the resolution said.

The resolution said the closure of the local Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ Center Safe Zone affects not just historically marginalized students but everyone at the university.

Recently, the University of Alabama at Birmingham also has canceled scholarships for Black students and returned donations intended for those scholarships.

The senate said they recognize the need to follow applicable laws, but that enforcement has “impinged upon both academic freedom and the institutional autonomy required for its protection.”

The resolution was supported by 63%, or 45 members, of the senate. Twenty-seven percent, or 19 faculty members, voted no and 10%, or seven members, abstained.

The resolution requests UA administration to “declare their ongoing support for academic freedom.”

The senate noted they do not speak for the university “but seeks to aid the System and University in making judgments on questions of policy, development, and operations and provides input on matters of general faculty concern.”

“We seek to provide the best possible education for our students by informing them of as many perspectives as possible and what research has shown to be effective and accepted practices and understandings,” Hudnall said.

Hudnall said they have no plans for further action but will “continue to abide by any laws and regulations, while also ensuring that our students are informed of the information they need to succeed in their careers and lives.”

AL.com requested comment on the resolution from university administrators.

The university employed 2,145 faculty in 2024, according to UA’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.

The resolution comes amid buzz and potential protests surrounding Trump’s commencement speech to students, faculty and staff on May 1. Alabama Republicans said the visit was in the planning stages, but the event was just announced on April 22.

In September, the UA System board approved a resolution to commit to political and social neutrality “unless the issue directly affects core operations.”

“It is not a university’s place to tell people what to think on the issues of the day; rather, it is a university’s place to foster an environment where these issues can be explored and where campus community members have the freedom to share their thoughts, and hopefully learn from others,” Chancellor Sid J. Trant said in a statement at the time.

“Opportunities for civil discourse are more important than ever, as is our commitment to free speech and – importantly – treating all with compassion and respect,” Trant said. “As a result of our Board’s action, our universities will continue to serve as objective places of learning and inquiry for all people of all backgrounds.”

Faculty at other universities around the country also are pushing back against anti-DEI legislation. On April 21, Youngstown State University faculty submitted 4,500 voter signatures in opposition to legislation that would end DEI programming on campus and ban faculty strikes, according to the Signal Cleveland.