OGDEN, Utah — It’s been 4 months since a new law went into effect that eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on Utah college campuses. To comply with the new rules, Weber State University closed its identity-based centers and opened a new Student Success Center.

“Making sure we stay connected to students, being aware of their needs and the barriers they face, and making sure we eliminate those barriers,” said Brandon Flores, executive director of the Student Success Center. .

That wasn’t Flores’ role when he started working here. “When I was hired about a year ago, we had started developing cultural centers. And when the changes in legislation happened, of course, we had to shift our focus, redirect, and that’s when we became known as a student success center.”

House Bill 261 was passed earlier this year, replacing diversity, equity and inclusion offices on Utah college campuses, seeking to serve a broader audience rather than specific student groups.

“I was concerned at first, I think when you hear about cultural centers and important spaces for students disappearing, I think that sounds troubling, but honestly I’m really proud of Weber State and the way they handled the situation,” he said. Alayna Ruiz is a junior at Weber State University.

“The main focus has always been student retention and success, and so we’re trying to find a new and innovative, different approach to that under the new umbrella of being a student success center,” Flores added.

Weber State has a large Hispanic and international student population. They still host cultural events like celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Diwali, but they’re trying to market it to all students so people can feel connected to their culture or learn something new. So the services are still there and have not disappeared.

“The resource I loved so much, the Women’s Center, is now ‘Safe at Weber,’ so I know there are still resources available to me and even if there aren’t, there’s still a place to get help. It’s called the Women’s Center,” Ruiz said.

We hope that every student feels seen and cared for. “To make this space a hub where students can come and get some of that support,” Flores added.