RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students are expressing concern following the university's decision to discontinue its Division of Inclusive Excellence. “These are things that were put in place for a reason -- and they were helpful for a reason,” said VCU sophomo re Celina Harris. “I might not even be here without them.” The move comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The university’s Board of Visitors approved the resolution on Friday, March 21, stating that state law dictates that Commonwealth of Virginia agencies do not require a standalone office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) or dedicated DEI officers, nor do they require an infrastructure, strategic plan or any elements that do not comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and other federal civil rights laws. Guidelines are detailed here -- but VCU has not released specifics on what programs could be in jeopardy following the division cut. However, it explains Title VI, the Equal Protection Clause and the new executive order, reading: "A school may not legally take account of a student’s race in distributing those benefits or resources, even if race is only being considered as a positive or plus factor, because to advantage members of one race in a competitive or zero-sum process is necessarily to disadvantage those of a different race. As the Court reasoned: 'College admissions are zero-sum, and a benefit provided to some applicants but not to others necessarily advantages the former at the expense of the latter.' Likewise, schools may not administer or advertise scholarships, prizes, or other opportunities offered by third parties based on race." The document also reads: "Whether a policy or program violates Title VI does not depend on the use of specific terminology such as 'diversity,' 'equity,' or 'inclusion.' Schools may not operate policies or programs under any name that treat students differently based on race, engage in racial stereotyping, or create hostile environments for students of particular races." It goes on to explain that this does not include programs focused on "interests in particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world ... assuming they are open to all students regardless of race." However, schools "must consider whether any school programming discouragesmembers of all races from attending, either by excluding or discouraging students of a particular race or races, or by creating hostile environments based on race for students who do participate." Because VCU has not released details on what programs may violate Title VI, students now fear that DEI-related scholarships might also be eliminated. "It's just like a scary time, and things are so uncertain," said Harris. "Things that we were told that wouldn't happen to us are happening, and its not like a faraway thing... It's right now." Harris recently applied for VCU's Barbara J. Payton Scholarship, which is awarded to Black mass communication students from the Hampton Roads area. “It’s getting kind of worrying that I would have to have student loans, or something like that,” she said. "I'm frustrated, because VCU continuously would promote -- as part of their brand -- that they are so focused on diversity. It's supposed to be a place for people who are from all types of backgrounds. I just feel a little bit less safe and I feel a little bit less supported in this environment." VCU’s decision follows a similar move by the University of Virginia (UVA), which also recently dissolved its DEI division. That decision was met with praise from Virginia leadership. RELATED: University professors condemn UVA’s decision to dissolve central DEI office In a press release on UVA's decision from Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office, he said: "The Board of Visitors voted for common sense, saying ‘no’ to illegal discrimination and ‘yes’ to merit-based opportunity. DEI is done at the University of Virginia. We stand for the universal truth that everyone is created equal, and opportunity is at the heart of Virginians’ and Americans’ future.”   His statement was echoed by Attorney General Jason Miyares in the same press release: “Virginia is stronger with all of us together. For too long, diversity, equity and inclusion regimes have been misused to guarantee equality of outcomes instead of equality of opportunity. I believe firmly that merit and excellence are the necessary foundations to make Virginia stronger and more resilient for the 21st century. I applaud this action and look forward to Virginia’s bright future.”  In the statement announcing the resolution, VCU said: "Where appropriate, we will transition programs from the Division of Inclusive Excellence to other areas." It goes on to say that VCU's commitment to embracing different backgrounds is not defined by one department and that its core values to diversity remain. Still, the resolution calls for the administration to review relevant policies and programs for compliance with state and federal laws about discrimination. The university will conduct this review by working with the community and decisions will be reported back to the Board of Visitors at a future meeting. The university will share more details as plans are developed.  ...read more read less