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Aug. 20, 2025
The Honorable Amy Grady
The Honorable Joe Ellington
Joint Committee on Education
Dear Chair Grady and Chair Ellington:
In accordance with West Virginia Code §18B-1G-4, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) submits the attached report to formally update the West Virginia Legislature, and specifically the Joint Committee on Education, on the institution’s efforts to comply with the law prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and officers.
Following the issuance of Executive Order 3-25 by Governor Morrisey, WVSOM conducted a thorough review of all institutional services, programs, and practices to ensure full compliance with the law. This process was carried out in consultation with campus leadership and legal counsel, and in alignment with guidance from the Governor’s Office.
Although this report is being submitted after the July 1, 2025 deadline, all compliance actions were completed by that date.
To ensure compliance with Senate Bill 474 and Executive Order 3-25, WVSOM has taken the following steps:
WVSOM remains committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive academic environment while ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We will continue to monitor and review institutional practices to maintain alignment with state directives.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact WVSOM’s Office of External Relations, Don Smith or General Counsel, Brian Lutz, Esq.
Sincerely, James W. Nemitz, Ph.D. President West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Enclosure: WVSOM Institutional Report 2025
July 1, 2025
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (“WVSOM”)
August 20, 2025
Pursuant to the requirements set forth in Senate Bill 474, enacted during the 2025 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature, this Report outlines all institutional changes and steps taken by WVSOM to comply with Senate Bill 474.
March 28, 2025
Removal of “Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”.
Committee existence and inclusion in policy does not comply with Governor’s Executive Order No. 3-25 and Senate Bill 474.
Add “Color” and removal of “Ethnicity” from categories of bias.
Inclusion of original language in policy does not comply with Governor’s Executive Order No. 3-25 and Senate Bill 474.
Removal of present Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action language and insertion of new diversity statement.
Removal of diversity and inclusive culture language. Removal of discrimination language. Updating title of Reporting contact. Remove of description of Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Inclusion of original language in policy does not comply with Governor’s Executive Order No. 3-25 and Senate Bill 474. Committee existence does not comply and have since been removed.
June 25, 2025
Updates to diversity statement. Changes to committee lists.
Inclusion of original language in handbook does not comply with Governor’s Executive Order No. 3-25 and Senate Bill 474.
June 27, 2025
Updates to comply.
Aug. 12, 2025
Updates to diversity statement, committee lists, and other changes needed to comply with SB 474.
Inclusion of original language in handbooks do not comply with Governor’s Executive Order No. 3-25 and Senate Bill 474.
Associate Dean for Multicultural and Student Affairs changed to Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Assistant Dean for Multicultural and Student Affairs changed to Vice President of Human Resources, ADA Coordinator
Assistant Dean for Multicultural and Student Affairs changed to Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Diversity student activities are not discontinued.
Diversity advertising for employee positions is now discontinued.
Revised printed and digital materials to comply.
Removed statement from webpage.
Human Resources (HR) webpage
PeopleAdmin-Candidate Portal website
Removed collection of demographic info from applicants
EEO statement removed.
Updates made to form to comply.
Discontinue applications or renewals of DEI focused grants.
Materials revised to comply.
Removed mission of educating students from diverse backgrounds.
The mission statement was already under review as a part of institutional strategic planning.
DEI specific training will be eliminated.
JEDI thread eliminated, and replaced with thread to include Professionalism in Practice.
Removed due to previous diversity statement.
WVSOM still encourages reporting of harassment and discrimination through other mechanisms.
Removed
WVSOM no longer has a requirement to complete the EEO Manual as it is not a federal contractor.
WVSOM does not use race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin standards for admission, employment, or promotion. WVSOM does not contract with third parties to promote DEI, nor does it require DEI statements, give preference based on DEI, or require participation in DEI training as a condition of employment.
Further, as of the date of this Report, WVSOM has no knowledge of any violations of W.Va. Code §18B-14-5(f).
Please direct any questions regarding this Report to Donald Smith, AVP of Governmental and External Relations/Chief Communications Officer at 304-647-6372 or email.
I certify that the above information is accurate and reflects all applicable changes required under Senate Bill 474 during the reporting period.