Chattanooga, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Over 200 students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga protested the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs mandated by new state laws. Organized by Elyssa Looney, the protest emphasized the importance of such initiatives and provided a platform for students to advocate for inclusion and representation. Following the demonstration, further actions, including a statewide protest, are planned in response to this systemic rollback affecting public universities across Tennessee.
Chattanooga Students Protest DEI Program Cuts at UTC
More than 200 students rallied on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) to oppose the university’s decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The protest, which was organized by senior Elyssa Looney, president of the UTC Civic Engagement Club, took place in downtown Chattanooga and lasted over an hour, featuring chants like “No hate, no fear, everyone is welcome here!” and “No justice, no peace.”
The demonstration is a direct response to new Tennessee state laws that mandate public universities to roll back DEI initiatives. UTC’s restructuring includes the elimination of several essential resources designed to support diverse students, such as the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Prism Center, and the offices of Multicultural Affairs and Student and Family Engagement. These changes arise from legislation prohibiting institutions from maintaining DEI-focused programs to prevent discriminatory preferences.
The protesting students sought to promote inclusion and solidarity, stressing that the centers provided safe spaces for various demographics on campus. Participants held signs advocating for equality and representation, with slogans such as “Mocs value DEI” and “Erase hate, not pride.”
Beyond the immediate impact on UTC, this protest reflects a broader trend across public universities in Tennessee dismantling DEI programs as dictated by state law. Chattanooga officials have confirmed the dissolution of the city’s Office of Equity and Community Engagement in accordance with the same legislation affecting UTC. The law compels the elimination of any practices that enhance diversity, equity, or inclusion in higher education, requiring significant reallocation of resources within the city and public universities.
As part of these governmental adjustments, most employees from the dismantled city office are transitioning to other departments while the Chief Equity Officer position was entirely removed. Additionally, the city’s Equity Board will be renamed as the Community Engagement Board.
While the UTC administration plans to create new initiatives that adhere to compliance regulations, student leaders such as Elyssa Looney are determined to continue advocating for student rights. A statewide protest is planned for October 27 to further express dissent against the cuts to DEI initiatives across the state.
The Chattanooga City Council held a public hearing before passing a budget-neutral plan that oversees the dissolution of DEI departments, which faced pushback from some council members concerned about the loss of community engagement efforts. The ongoing changes reflect broader state-level trends that are shaping higher education in Tennessee and beyond.
Key Facts
- Over 200 students protested the elimination of DEI programs at UTC.
- The protest was organized in response to new Tennessee state laws rolling back DEI initiatives.
- UTC is discontinuing resources such as the Center for Women and Gender Equity and the Prism Center.
- The changes are mandated by legislation prohibiting discriminatory preferences to enhance diversity.
- A statewide protest is planned for October 27.
- The Chattanooga City Council passed a plan dissolving the city’s Office of Equity and Community Engagement.
FAQs
- What prompted the protest at UTC?
- More than 200 students marched on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus to protest the university’s decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in response to state legislation rolling back DEI initiatives across public universities.
- What DEI resources are being eliminated at UTC?
- UTC’s decision includes the rollback of resources such as the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Prism Center, and offices of Multicultural Affairs and Student and Family Engagement.
- What are the new laws in Tennessee regarding DEI programs?
- The changes are a direct response to new Tennessee state laws prohibiting public universities from maintaining DEI-focused programs.
- What will happen to the employees affected by these changes?
- The changes initiated by the city require a reallocation of resources and programs, with most employees transitioning to different departments.
- Is there an upcoming protest planned?
- Looney highlighted the commitment of her organization to advocate for student rights and plans for a state-wide protest on October 27.
Overview of DEI Program Changes
| Organization | Change Implemented | Date of Change |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) | Elimination of DEI programs including the Center for Women and Gender Equity | October 2023 |
| City of Chattanooga | Dissolution of the Office of Equity and Community Engagement | October 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Officials Maintain Optimism Amid Funding Cuts
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: UTC Students Protest DEI Program Cuts
- Local 3 News: City of Chattanooga Eliminates DEI Offices
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s DEI Department to be Dissolved
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- News Channel 9: UTC Dissolving DEI Programs
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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