K-State drops 'diversity' from mission statement

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Kansas State University is swapping out a word in its mission statement in the latest move to rid higher education of language relating to diversity, equity and inclusion.

K-State University President Richard Linton appeared before the Kansas Board of Regents during its recent meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 17. He informed members of the KBOR that K-State wanted to drop the word 'diversity' from its mission statement to bring it in line with a bill passed by the Kansas Legislature earlier this year.

"This is to comply with Senate Bill 125 and to be able to line up with all of the other strategic plans in our colleges in our units on campus," Linton said.

The word 'diversity' appears only twice in the mission statement, which was approved by the KBOR on Dec. 18, 2008. In its place, the word 'all' will be added in. The other reference to 'diversity' in the mission statement will remain unchanged.

"The mission of Kansas State University is to foster excellent teaching, research, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community. The university embraces all, encourages engagement and is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve."

K-State amended mission statement excerpt

Members of the KBOR voted in favor of the amendment. You can watch a recording of the Sept. 17 KBOR meeting by clicking here.

K-State, and other universities in Kansas, are rolling back DEI initiatives, policies and programs in the wake of President Donald Trump retaking the White House and actions taken by the State Legislature. K-State shuttered its LGBTQ+ support area, the Spectrum Center, earlier this year as part of this trend.

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