Clemson removes DEI reference in chemical engineering class after GOP backlash
Clemson University removed a “DEI” reference in the syllabus of a chemical engineering class Tuesday after it was brought to the school’s attention.
The class, Safety, Environmental and Professional Practice I, is in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and is for chemical engineering students to learn about process safety in the profession.
On Tuesday, Republican politicians on social media shared a post that showed 15% of a student’s grade in the course included completing a DEI certificate through AIChe, a chemical engineering professional organization.
DEI is an abbreviation for diversity, equity and inclusion and has been a target of Republican ire since GOP lawmakers have said the term prioritizes race and gender over merit.
That requirement has since been removed, and completion of an AIChe safety certificate now represents 25% of a student’s grade.
“We are aware (of) a syllabus for one section of a chemical and biomolecular engineering upper level course contained incorrect information regarding a DEI requirement,” Clemson spokesman Joe Galbraith said in a statement to The State. “The syllabus has been adjusted and students will be notified of the error.”
Clemson had no further comment.
The initial syllabus was posted on social media by the “Libs of TikTok” X account and shared by lawmakers in South Carolina including U.S. Reps. Russell Fry, Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, the latter two of whom are running for governor.
“It’s unacceptable that a taxpayer-funded institution of higher education is blatantly supporting DEI,” Norman posted Tuesday on X.
Mace posted on X Wednesday morning.
“It’s going to take a governor who will stand up and end this nonsense once and for all,” Mace said.
This isn’t the first time this year Clemson has adjusted forms after receiving criticism from conservative politicians and right-leaning groups.
In April, Clemson had an outside vendor change an online medical intake form which included 15 options for gender. After Mace, a Lowcountry Republican, contacted the university about the form, the school asked the vendor to change the options to male, female and other, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette.
This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 11:19 AM.
