JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Students at East Tennessee State University took to the campus on Friday to voice their discontent following the university’s plan to shut down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office announced in April.

Students began protesting at 11 a.m. near the Borchuck Plaza and Memorial Fountain, carrying posters and pamphlets that addressed DEI.

According to ETSU Senior Raylee McKenzie, the demonstration extends beyond the DEI office closure and is largely focused on the application of the university’s DEI policies.

“We are protesting today to bring attention to the modifications of DEI policies at our university,” she explained. “Primarily, we are seeking greater transparency from the administration because many of the changes enacted over the spring and summer were not adequately communicated to students.”

McKenzie said protesters want all students to feel safe on campus, even if “ETSU itself isn’t able to provide it.”