A university spokesman confirmed NC State University will be discontinuing the Black Male Initiative (BMI) and Native Space for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

NC State Director of Strategic Communication and Media Relations Mick Kulikowski said in a statement the decision is “part of the university’s ongoing review of compliance with executive actions issued by the federal government and UNC System policy.”

The decision occurs amid the ongoing federal scrutiny on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI), driven by the Trump administration’s executive order and the Department of Education’s recent memo instructing all educational institutions to eliminate DEI programs or possibly lose federal funding. In addition, the UNC System released updated guidance regarding DEI policies in the past year, including most recently banning DEI general education course requirements.

This information was first reported by student members of BMI who said University Housing staff informed them of the shutdown at a meeting on Tuesday, March 4.

Per the NC State housing website, “Living and Learning Villages are residential communities where students, staff and faculty learn side-by-side.” These villages are built around specific academic, lifestyle and professional interests.

Native Space is a living and learning village in Alexander Hall established to build community among Native American students and students interested in Native American culture. Black Male Initiative is a living and learning village in the Avent Ferry Complex designed to support Black male students’ growth. 

Izayah Horne, a third-year Agricultural Business major, denounced the decision. “I feel that it is very inconsiderate and very unfair. BMI provided a safe space for all people involved and acted as a great community partner on campus…this should not be happening,” he said. Horne has been a member of BMI for three years.

“Removing DEI goes against American culture,” he continued.

Students who currently live in Native Space or BMI will stay for the rest of the semester.

Students who signed up for Native Space or BMI for the 2025-2026 school year who still intend to live on-campus, “will be offered alternate on-campus housing.” 

“When possible, we will try to keep students in the spaces they have already selected for the upcoming year or in a space they prefer that is available, including other Village opportunities,” Kulikowski said.

This is a developing story. It was updated on March 7 at 6:05 after a university spokesman sent a statement confirming the news.