U. Missouri Launches Investigation Into Professor Caught Admitting DEI Efforts Persist

The University of Missouri is investigating a professor after he was secretly recorded admitting that diversity, equity, and inclusion activities persist at the university.

In a video released by the watchdog group Accuracy in Media, MU Sociology Department Chair Wayne Brekhus discussed the department’s continued DEI involvement despite state restrictions.

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“Usually what places did is, like, they changed the name or they put them under a different umbrella to make it less visible that it was DEI or things like that,” he said.

“It was mostly cosmetic, but in some cases that also meant, you know, if you’re folding it under another umbrella that isn’t explicitly listed as DEI, sometimes that means you’re cutting staff or you’re making it less visible to the students. So, like, those sorts of things have happened really everywhere,” he said.

Following the video’s release, the University of Missouri published a statement from Professor Brekhus on X.

“I apologize for my mistake. The video was taken last year as Mizzou was eliminating its DEI programs. I am fully aware that Mizzou no longer has DEI programs and does not conduct DEI research,” the statement reads.

The College Fix asked University of Missouri officials whether the school continued DEI research despite the state of Missouri’s regulations. In response, spokesperson Travis Zimpfer said, “Mizzou has complied with all federal directives to end DEI research projects.”

“We will continue to inform our faculty, staff and students of our policies to be in compliance with state and federal laws and guidelines regarding DEI,” he said.

Zimpfer also told The Fix, “Professor Brekhus’ conduct will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken.” He said the school has “no further details to provide on this personnel matter.”

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