October 15, 2025

Chattanooga Students Rally Against DEI Program Rollback

Chattanooga, October 15, 2025

News Summary

Over 200 students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga protested against the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The rally emphasized student concerns about inclusivity and the diminishing resources aimed at fostering safe spaces on campus. The protest featured chants advocating for equality as students expressed their discontent with the university’s compliance with new state laws impacting DEI initiatives. Plans for a state-wide protest are also underway as students continue to fight for their rights and representation.

Chattanooga Students Protest DEI Program Rollback

Chattanooga, TN – Over 200 students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) rallied on Monday to protest the university’s decision to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This demonstration underscores the rising concerns among students regarding inclusivity and safe spaces on campus, particularly in light of recent state legislation.

The protest featured chants such as “No hate, no fear, everyone is welcome here!” and “No justice, no peace,” emphasizing the collective drive for equality and representation. The university has announced significant rollbacks in resources associated with DEI, including the dissolution of the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Prism Center, and several offices dedicated to Multicultural Affairs and Student and Family Engagement.

The decision to reduce these programs is attributed to new state laws that limit the scope of DEI initiatives at public universities. This move comes as part of a broader trend across the state, with other public universities facing similar rollbacks in their diversity programs.

Elyssa Looney, a senior and the president of the UTC Civic Engagement Club, organized the protest to address what many see as inadequate responses to the anti-DEI laws in Tennessee. Students highlighted the essential role that DEI programs play in fostering inclusive environments. They noted that these centers are designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their backgrounds, and expressed their discontent over the potential loss of these safe spaces.

Participants carried signs advocating for equality and representation, demonstrating strong community solidarity. The protest lasted over an hour, concluding with a march to the Hamilton County Courthouse, reinforcing the students’ commitment to their cause.

Jack Morgan, another student at the university, emphasized the importance of community support in the ongoing fight for inclusion and representation within the campus environment. Looney stated that the students remain committed to advocating for their rights, with plans in place for a state-wide protest scheduled for October 27 to bring further attention to their cause.

As the university moves towards compliance with a Department of Justice memo regarding federal antidiscrimination laws, its DEI initiatives will be replaced by a new UTC Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community. This institutional shift has raised concerns among students who fear that it may diminish the support previously provided by dedicated DEI programs.

The UTC protest is part of a larger movement as institutions across Tennessee reevaluate their commitment to diversity and equity in the face of changing state regulations. Students continue to advocate for inclusive policies and stronger representation within their university communities.

FAQ

What was the purpose of the student protest at UTC?

The purpose of the student protest was to oppose the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).

How many students participated in the protest?

Over 200 students participated in the protest at UTC.

What programs were eliminated by UTC?

UTC announced the rollback of resources including the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Prism Center, and the offices of Multicultural Affairs and Student and Family Engagement.

What is the new center at UTC replacing the DEI programs?

The new UTC Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community will replace the DEI programs as part of compliance with a Department of Justice memo on federal antidiscrimination laws.

Key Features of UTC’s DEI Program Rollback

Feature	Details
Number of students protesting	Over 200
Primary chants	“No hate, no fear, everyone is welcome here!” and “No justice, no peace.”
Eliminated programs	Center for Women and Gender Equity, Prism Center, offices of Multicultural Affairs, and Student and Family Engagement
Date of protest	Monday
Future actions planned	State-wide protest on October 27
New center established	UTC Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community