Coastal Carolina University hosted a town hall meeting on March 4 and 5 to discuss the name change of the Division of University Belonging and Student Affairs to the “Division of Student Affairs.”
The change comes in response to new bills being introduced through President Donald Trump’s administration to remove diversity, equity and inclusion programs from federally funded schools.
Mariel Pagán-Smith, Ph.D., the interim vice president of Student Affairs, recognized CCU students’ concerns about the department’s name change and put together a town hall meeting to discuss them.
Laura Steinert, a senior women’s and gender studies major, came to the town hall seeking answers about the future of all student organizations.
“I’m looking for clear answers. I need a game plan on what Coastal will do to protect the rights of future students,” Steinert said.
Pagán-Smith oversees many organizations under Student Affairs, such as career services, intercultural and inclusion, student services, military and veterans, orientation, transition and family programs, and student involvement and leadership.
The town hall session began with a brief introduction of what Student Affairs encompasses and the proceeding changes going forward. Pagán-Smith said students and faculty deserved more than an email trying to explain the coming changes to the university.
Attendees asked questions about the future of student organizations amidst mandated program changes. Many questions were left unanswered because a comprehensive plan cannot be put into place without a law behind it.
However, there are changes to come, but speakers on the panel could not articulate what they may look like.
University Counsel member Amanda Bailey answered legal questions regarding the university, and what might happen if these bills get passed.
She explained how without a proper bill in place, everything the school is doing now is in preparation or speculation of what could happen. CCU is a state institution, and it will have to comply with state laws when they are put in place, according to Bailey.
As students and faculty members asked more questions, frustration grew because the answers were confusing and indirect.
Pagán-Smith acknowledged that she knew not all questions could be answered as there is not a solid plan for what could happen if certain bills go through.
Laney Boggs, a senior psychology major felt upset as their questions were left unanswered.
“I would like to know how they would protect students because of their claims that their top priority is students when they aren’t fighting for our rights,” Boggs said.
Pagán-Smith said if the bills take effect, the changes will happen at the start of the new academic school year in August.
