University of West Alabama (UWA) is quietly maneuvering to continue DEI programming—even after Alabama’s SB 129 explicitly bans such initiatives. A secret recording reveals the administration adapting DEI efforts under new guises.
A hidden-camera video published by Accuracy in Media and reported by Legal Insurrection shows Dean of Students Byron Thetford acknowledging that UWA is “still looking for ways to provide for our students any way that we can” and calling DEI activities “a marketing thing”. He emphasized, “We are all still partnering to work together to offer programming and events for [DEI]. We’re just being more mindful about how we go about it”.
This is troubling because SB 129, signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in March 2024 and effective from October, bans DEI offices and bars public university staff from promoting “divisive concepts” as part of their duties.
UWA’s official stance conflicts with these remarks. A spokesperson insists the university is “fully compliant with SB 129” and that the Chief Diversity Officer position has been eliminated. President Todd Fritch echoed this position, affirming that the university aligned its practices with the law. Yet, Thetford’s comment that the role is merely “fluxing out” suggests it—and its functions—may continue under another title.
In an interview, Thetford admitted, “We can’t directly fund DEI programming, so we have been looking for loopholes,” and hinted that the work continues under rebranded roles or through alternative funding such as payroll or grants.
