University of Alaska Rethinks Hiring Practices Amid Federal Shifts

The University of Alaska (UA) Board of Regents is considering changes to its hiring policies. These revisions, presented at a meeting in Juneau, aim to comply with federal mandates while stressing merit-based selection.

At stake is Regents’ Policy 04.02. The board intends to remove affirmative action language. They say this will ensure fairness and protect essential federal funding.

The current policy commits the university to equal employment opportunity. It outlines a program to recruit and promote “protected classes." Major administrative units must develop programs and appoint officers to monitor progress. The proposed changes would end these requirements. A focus on “merit-based advancement opportunities” and “equal opportunities" would emerge. This means employment access for all individuals, irrespective of protected status. The “affirmative action officer” role shifts to “human resources officer.” This suggests a more streamlined hiring process.

This move responds to a January 2025 executive order. President Donald Trump rescinded Executive Order 11246. That 1965 mandate compelled federal contractors to implement affirmative action programs. By aligning with this federal directive, UA hopes to protect millions in federal grants vital to its operations. The university states that eliminating affirmative action language won't alter its practices.

“As a practical matter," reads a university release, "if adopted by the board in November, the policy updates will not result in changes to UA’s current hiring or admission practices, which remain consistent with long-standing federal guidance barring discrimination.”

This development follows other changes implemented in 2025. Earlier, the board voted to remove certain terminology from websites, publications, and job titles. These changes clarified UA’s commitment to fairness and compliance. Further updates eliminated references to “affirmative action” in favor of language that stresses equal access. Updates to public records policies occurred during the September meeting, These actions reflect an effort to keep UA competitive and financially secure.

Scheduled for a final vote in November, university officials assert these updates will guard UA against potential funding losses. They also believe it will strengthen a hiring process that prioritizes qualifications. This approach mirrors a national trend toward policies that emphasize individual merit. It aims to guarantee fairness and opportunity.