July 29, 2025

UT Chancellor Denies Concealment of DEI Programs

News Summary

Chancellor Donde Plowman of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville has refuted allegations that the university is hiding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. These claims were made by Senator Marsha Blackburn, who raised concerns about alleged concealment and enrollment of undocumented students. Following the release of recorded discussions among university employees, Plowman emphasized that UT complies with legal requirements, and an independent review will be conducted to assess engagement practices across all campuses. The scrutiny surrounding DEI initiatives continues amid broader investigations of multiple Tennessee universities.

KNOXVILLE – Chancellor Donde Plowman of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UT) has denied allegations that the campus is concealing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs under alternative titles. These claims were raised by U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, who has expressed concerns in letters directed toward UT and two other educational institutions in Tennessee, Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. Blackburn’s letters alleged that these universities either hid their DEI initiatives or enrolled undocumented students.

The Senator’s concerns followed the release of covert recordings showing university employees discussing strategies to manage the increased scrutiny from the federal government regarding DEI programs. In response to these claims, Chancellor Plowman communicated with Blackburn, stating that the concerns raised do not accurately represent the university’s policies or practices.

In 2023, the department previously named “Diversity and Engagement” at UT underwent a rebranding to “Access and Engagement,” reflecting a shift in focus. The mission of the Division of Access and Engagement is dedicated to enhancing academic access for students, fostering partnerships within the community, and promoting student success based on merit.

Chancellor Plowman reiterated that the university complies with both state and federal laws, assuring that UT has always adhered to legal standards. Further addressing these issues, UT System President Randy Boyd announced the initiation of an independent review encompassing access and engagement practices across all campuses to guarantee compliance with legal requirements.

Boyd highlighted that all employees of UT will be required to undergo mandatory compliance training that pertains to relevant laws and regulations. He emphasized that the restructured access and engagement initiatives are not merely a rebranding of DEI efforts and that all university operations are committed to full compliance with both state and federal laws.

Senator Blackburn confronted the issues surrounding all three universities during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing conducted on July 23, which was rooted in evidence obtained from secret recordings by a conservative media company. One video recorded at UT showed university employees discussing the need to modify their language to continue DEI-related efforts, casting doubts on the transparency of these programs amid federal oversight.

The organizational changes at UT stemmed from directives issued by President Boyd, who sought to eliminate barriers that hinder educational access within Tennessee. In response to the troubling recordings, the university is conducting a review of the circumstances surrounding them and will communicate with the employees involved to gain clarity on the context of their remarks.

Tennessee operates as a “one party” state, meaning only one party’s consent is necessary for recording conversations. Accordingly, both Vanderbilt University and Belmont University are also investigating the recorded conversations, with Vanderbilt employing the independent firm Baker Donelson to evaluate the situation and ensure staff comprehension regarding university policies. Similarly, Belmont University has engaged the law firm Holtzman Vogel to conduct its own inquiry into the matter.

This scrutiny of DEI programs is not new, as earlier this year, the Trump administration indicated that both Vanderbilt and UT, among 44 other universities, were under investigation for alleged violations of civil rights obligations related to their use of racial preferences in admissions.

Additionally, the Knoxville campus of UT is being investigated for claims of “widespread antisemitic harassment,” which contributes to the complex challenges facing the university in ensuring compliance and fostering a safe educational environment.

As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial for the involved institutions to provide clarity and transparency concerning their practices and adherence to legal standards.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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