Photo: The University of Alaska Board of Regents meets at Kenai Peninsula College on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 in Soldotna, Alaska (Credit: Ashlyn O’Hara/KDLL)

By Ellie Ruel

University of Alaska Anchorage student Albiona Selimi represents all UA students on the Board of Regents. She was the only member to vote against the motion to eliminate DEI language from university materials. 

Selimi is majoring in Political Science with minors in Women’s Studies and Justice at UAA. In an email to Whalesong, she said her involvement in the Women’s Studies and McNair programs influenced her decision. Selmimi prefaced her comments by saying that her answers represented her opinion as a student, not her capacity as a Regent.

“When casting my vote, I thought about the students, staff, and faculty who have benefited from and rely on DEI programs to affirm their place in the UA community,” she said. “I was also thinking of the programs I participate in that are considered DEI, such as the Women’s Studies or McNair programs at UAA.” The McNair Scholars Program prepares high-achieving first-generation or income eligible students for graduate studies.

However, she noted the move wasn’t entirely unexpected due to the significant funding UA receives from the federal government, and “the board was motivated by concerns that noncompliance with recent executive orders could jeopardize that funding.” 

“While I understand the board’s intent to comply with federal directives,” she said, “I ultimately voted against the motion because I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts promote an accessible and welcoming environment.’

The lack of input from the UA community before the motion was introduced also frustrated Selimi. “Many of those who would be directly impacted had no notice that this was coming and had little time to digest and weigh in before the vote,” she said.

Selimi has received a great deal of support for her stand against the rest of the board, with emails from professors, staff, and students, as well as personal commendations from professors. 

“It’s encouraging for me to see the outpour of responses from the UA community,” Selimi said.