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This piece is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series on campus movements.
EXCLUSIVE: Staff members at the University of Virginia were recorded revealing how they intend to preserve diversity, equity, and inclusion programs by altering their names to sidestep scrutiny and protect funding sources.
In an undercover video obtained by Fox News Digital, Davon Lewis, a program coordinator for multicultural student services, stated, “We had to change the names of some of our programs and stuff, like we had Queer Brunch. We can’t call it Queer Brunch anymore, you gotta call it Cozy Brunch.” The university also rebranded a program in the Latinx Student Center from Comida Comunidad to simply food and community. Lewis emphasized that the essence of the programs remains unchanged, adding, “We’re doing the same stuff, but changing the names a little bit to avoid bringing scrutiny on the office.”
Such tactics highlight a broader trend affecting universities across the United States, especially following pressures from the previous Trump administration. This administration initiated efforts to reduce DEI initiatives in federal bodies, military, and educational institutions, arguing that these programs often result in discrimination against merit-based systems.
Fox News Digital has detailed similar instances in states like Utah, Iowa, and North Carolina, where educational institutions seem to be renaming DEI programs rather than eliminating them entirely.
Lewis pointed out the need for a new marketing strategy, saying, “We just have to do a lot more, like we have to market differently to multiple outlets. It’s a whole lot that goes into it, but we’re doing the same work.”
When questioned if the university’s approach is merely to rename DEI initiatives to evade trouble, he jubilantly affirmed, “Yes.”
In the video, a student named Asia expressed concern regarding potential accusations of antisemitism, illustrated by her air quotes. She mentioned that the university’s president was dismissed in June due to DEI-related controversies from the Trump administration.
Asia remarked, “Now all of our affinity programs are basically finding ways to kind of move under the radar.” She confirmed that the programs have not been terminated, only rebranded.
Kamell Minor, an intern at the university, described the institution’s predicament as “weird.” He noted the staff’s determination to organize events while remaining discreet, stating, “All of the staff here are really working to try to find ways to still have programming and still hold events. We just have to be a little bit more cautious.”
Last week, marking a month after capturing this footage, the Trump administration announced that it “struck a deal” with the University of Virginia. The agreement stipulates that the institution must align its interpretation of DEI with federal guidelines in exchange for a halting of civil rights investigations and continued federal funding eligibility.
This settlement, revealed by the Justice Department, is a significant milestone being the first time a state university has entered an accord with the Trump administration in its broader efforts to challenge universities regarding pro-Palestinian protests and policies aimed at promoting diversity.
In the video, Lewis mentioned the new interim president’s affirmation that despite changes in political climate, “UVA’s mission is the same.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the University of Virginia to clarify any concerns regarding the continued implementation of DEI programs at an undisclosed pace, given the eagerness exhibited by staffers to conceal their ongoing efforts. A university spokesperson responded, commending the sharing of views while clarifying that those interviewed do not represent the institution’s official policies.
“Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Students for Fair Admissions case and the federal administration’s issuance of related guidance, the University initiated an extensive review of our policies and procedures,” the spokesperson noted. They further stated that “all programs are operating within the law,” affirming that changes will ensure no discrimination based on race or any other characteristic. This review remains ongoing, with additional modifications anticipated where necessary.
The spokesperson clarified that the video featuring staff interactions occurred several weeks prior to the agreement and that it “does not relate to the agreement.”
Recently, the University of Virginia Board of Visitors decided to abolish the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community. This move, praised by Virginia’s Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, aligns with growing criticism of DEI initiatives across governments, academia, and corporations.
Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, asserted earlier this year that institutions will not abandon DEI initiatives without resistance. He stated, “It is the exact same toxic nonsense under a new wrapper, and they’re just hoping to extend the grift.”
This situation at the University of Virginia highlights the ongoing national discourse surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks, underscored by various institutions working to adapt while under greater scrutiny.
Reuters contributed to this report.
