Weber State University opens new building to replace DEI office

OGDEN, Utah — It has been 4 months since new legislation took effect that would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on Utah college campuses. To comply with the new regulations, Weber State University has closed its ID Centers and opened a new Student Success Center.

“Making sure we’re staying connected to students, knowing what their needs are, what barriers they’re facing, and making sure we’re removing those barriers,” said Brandon Flores, executive director of the Center for Student Success. .

That wasn’t Flores’ role when he started working here. “When I was hired, about a year ago, that’s when we started developing cultural centers. And so, as soon as the changes in legislation happened, of course, we had to shift the focus, redirect, and then we became known as a center for student success.”

Earlier this year, the House passed House Bill 261, which replaced diversity, equity and inclusion offices on Utah college campuses in an attempt to serve a broader audience rather than specific groups of students.

“At first I was worried. I think when you hear that cultural centers and key places for students may disappear, I think it sounds bad, but I’m honestly very proud of Weber State and how they handled the situation,” said Alaina Ruiz, third-year student at Weber State University.

“The core focus has always been student retention and success, and so we’re just trying to find a new and innovative approach to that under the new umbrella of the student success center,” Flores added.

Weber State has a large population of Hispanic and foreign-born students. They still host cultural events like celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Diwali, but they try to promote it to the entire student body so people can feel connected to their culture or learn something new. So the services still exist and haven’t gone away.

“This resource that I hold dear, the Women’s Center, is now ‘safe in Weber,’ so I know I still have resources and I still have a place where I can get help, even if I don’t.” ” called the Women’s Center,” Ruiz said.

We hope that every student feels that they are cared for. “Make this space a hub where students can come and get some of that support,” Flores added.