Utah News

Budget pressures combined with an apparent effort to adhere to state law prohibiting DEI has prompted Utah Valley University (UVU) to shutter its Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE).

Meanwhile, the school is laying off a small number of full-time employees.

The school’s decision to dissolve the CIE — and cut jobs — comes even as administrators at the state’s largest public university are developing their strategic reinvestment plan as directed by House Bill 265 — the recently passed legislation requiring the state’s public degree-granting institutions to reallocate millions to programs determined to be of highest values.

Tuesday, UVU administrators updated school employees on their ongoing reinvestment plans at a town hall gathering.

“Due to legislative actions, UVU must reallocate $8.9 million from its 2025-26 budget, which has unfortunately resulted in job position reductions in academics and administration,” according to a school spokesperson.

The total number of UVU employees losing their jobs “represents less than 2%” of the school’s full-time workforce, according to the university.

“Thanks to the proactive hiring freeze we implemented last fall, and careful personnel management, nearly one-third of the eliminated positions are currently vacant or are being discontinued following retirements or contract expirations,” the spokesperson added.

UVU employs approximately 2,300 people, full-time. Workers who lost their jobs to the recent cuts have been provided severance packages.

“For those impacted, we are committed to providing exceptional care,” the spokesperson said. “Employees will receive compensation, benefits and will be offered career placement support to help them transition into new roles, either within or outside the university.”

Laid-off UVU employees will reportedly receive benefits through the end of June.

Closing UVU’s CIE

UVU’s decision to close the Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE), the school reported, was due to “required budget allocations” as well as “the strict enforcement of state law and intense legislative oversight.”

A school spokesperson added that UVU leaders “are increasing our focus on the new Student Success Center to advance our commitment to helping all students succeed and reach their individual potential.”

The Student Success Center, according to the school’s website, aims to connect students to the resources they need that will help them be successful in their education:

“Utah Valley University fosters success through programs and services that uplift Wolverines as both students and individuals. We empower Wolverines to flourish academically and achieve exceptional results in the classroom and the broader community.”

The Center for Intercultural Engagement’s website has been removed.

Closure prompts objections from students

UVU Review, the school’s independent student news service, noted that the CIE was designed to support students “through community, networking and cultural understanding.”

According to the Review, an email was sent to students and staff last Friday announcing the CIE’s immediate closure.

“Although the team members in CIE are no longer at UVU, we are very grateful for the positive impacts they made upon UVU and most importantly on our students,” the message read.

While the CIE offices will officially close, the physical student spaces will reportedly remain open through the end of the spring semester, with other staff members available to provide support.

The CIE, according to the Review report, previously encompassed three branches: the Women’s Intercultural Engagement Center, the LGBTQ+ Intercultural Engagement Center and the Multicultural Intercultural Engagement Center.

These programs were created after existing student support centers — including the Women’s Success Center, LGBTQ+ Student Success Center and Multicultural Student Services — were consolidated in 2024 in response to the passage of House Bill 261.

The closure reportedly prompted a sit-in protest Friday at the school by members of Spectrum UVU — a student group supporting LGBTQ+ students.

Following the 2024 legislative session, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed into law Equal Opportunity Initiatives, HB261. The bill requires that student success resources, like mentoring, scholarships and activities, be made available to all “high-risk” individuals based on need instead of other characteristics.

The bill prohibits practices that discriminate based on race, religion, sex or sexuality, and reaffirms the importance of institutional neutrality and free speech on campuses.

The law went into effect on July 1.

In compliance with HB261, UVU’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity was restructured last year into the Office of Institutional Engagement and Effectiveness “to ensure that UVU is focused on supporting all students and employees.”

The backdrop for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s ceremonial signing of several education bills was not what one might expect. Not a chalkboard, principal’s office or school desk was anywhere to be found.

Instead, Cox and several state lawmakers were dwarfed by giant tractor-trailers, diesel engines and other massive equipment in the diesel/heavy duty technician lab at Davis Technical College in Kaysville.

There was a reason behind Monday’s nontraditional bill-signing setting: Education today in Utah is increasingly being delivered in nontraditional ways — including the college’s gigantic auto-shops that functions as a “classroom” for Utahns training for the heavy-duty transportation industry.

“This is one of my favorite places,” said Cox. “I’ve had chances to to visit here often, and it’s a little noisier in here than it is right now. But I’m grateful to the students that are working quietly in the background so that we can celebrate together.”

The governor added that the education bills ceremoniously signed Monday signals the state’s commitment to education and reaching out “to all students — wherever they are and whatever their interests are.”

Cox highlighted four new pieces of education-themed legislation, and their respective sponsors:

House Bill 219: Charter school credit enhancements

Co-sponsored by Rep. Neil Walter, R-St. George, and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, HB219 is designed to help Utah charter schools improve their financial viability and accountability.

“One of the things I love about this is that it doesn’t cost the state money — and we’re actually going to save schools,” said Walter. “This is a great way for us to put money back into schools and back into classrooms by working on some of the financing mechanisms — without asking taxpayers for more resources and more funds.”

Walter saluted the Utah State Treasurer Office for its collaboration — and the state’s charter school community.

House Bill 260: Creation of the first credential program

This educational reform bill aims to enhance Utah secondary students’ readiness for the state’s workforce by establishing and facilitating industry-recognized credentials.

HB260 is designed to better align education opportunities with industry needs.

The new legislation replaces the state’s existing PRIME program that expanded students’ access to concurrent enrollment and career and technical education certificates.

“The PRIME program was something that was making a difference, but it needed more clarity,” said the bill’s co-sponsor, Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden.

“It needed to be simpler for students. It needed to be simpler for parents. It needed to be clear that this is an option that will allow you to go to work or go to school and continue your higher education, or both.”

Millner hopes HB260 will broaden educational possibilities for Utah students.

“Our goal is that every student who wants this opportunity, in a wide range of career fields and needs that we have in the workforce, will be able to have that opportunity,” she said.

House Bill 381: Boosting ‘civics-savvy’ in Utah high schools

Co-sponsored by Fillmore and Rep. Douglas Welton, R-Payson, HB381 amends Utah high school graduation requirements to include a course on American constitutional government and citizenship.

Welton said Monday that there is a shortage of civics education. Many Americans lack the ability “to engage meaningfully” in the vast public square.

“It doesn’t matter whether you like politics or not, everyone engages in civics,” he added. “So what (HB381) does is put a greater focus on our founding principles and institutions and our documents — including a study of the Utah Constitution, something that I think very few people in the state have ever read.”

Welton said he and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle support the idea of Utah students building a strong foundation “of what it means to be an American and what it means to be a Utahn.”

House Bill 447: Expanding CTE opportunities for Utah students

A big fan of career and technical education high school programs, House Speaker Mike Schultz, co-sponsored HB447, which helps establish and support expanded CTE programs in Utah high schools called “catalyst centers”.

Schultz, R-Hooper, said Monday that technical education in Utah schools “has been left behind for several decades” within the public education system. More CTE opportunities are needed.

“Our workforce, our businesses, our citizens and our kids are wanting more opportunities in technical education,” he said. “This bill expands that.”

Senate Bill 162: Connecting talent between students and employers

Co-sponsored by Millner and Rep. Jefferson Moss, R- Saratoga Springs, SB162 is designed to enhance statewide “portals” between talented students and employers from high-demand industries, utilizing timely data and cooperative programs.

Millner said the bill was motivated by many people asking how to better prepare students for the ever-evolving workforce.

Workforce experience within that workforce, she said, is absolutely critical to building technical and durable skills.

SB162 structures programs that will, among other things, empower local industry to create paid, credit-earning apprenticeship opportunities for Utah students.

“That is going to help our students be better prepared, when they graduate, to enter our companies and make a real contribution,” said Millner.

Cox added that SB162 better connects work and education.

“If we can help kids find what they want to do — and then have our employers actually helping to sponsor — we get the best of all worlds,” he said.

In an era of unprecedented technology and mental health crises, local hikers are finding solace in the mountains.

Springville resident Kayla Meehan found herself needing to get outside during the COVID-19 pandemic while stuck working from home. So she decided to start hiking the Wasatch Mountains, which she grew up next to but never took the time to explore.

“I really felt confined. Just being outside opened up the opportunity to feel like myself again,” she said. “After 2020, I have not been able to stay out of the mountains. It’s been a consistent addiction. It’s more of like a passion that I did not expect to be one of my hobbies.”

It’s easy to get caught up in work, family, and all the day-to-day tasks, where notifications are constantly buzzing in your pocket, she said.

“Being able to go into the mountains and have them close is so nice. We can just unplug literally and escape the noise of everyday life. Taking a break and not having your notifications go off, whether it’s important or not, it can wait because your mental health comes first,” she said.

Meehan first connected with local business Timpanogos Hiking Co. last year while filming a commercial that included hiking. Timpanogos Hiking Co. has a motto to “escape the noise” and promotes mental and physical wellness through hiking and outdoor recreation.

What started out as a business relationship has turned into a friendship with the company owner and employees.

“I just love the mission that the company has … of wanting to connect with local hikers,” she said. “It’s a really cool way how he creates this community of hikers, who doesn’t even realize that they’re hikers, but he is encouraging people just to get outside.”

Founder Joe Vogel revived a historical tradition of giving out Timp Badges for people who summit Mount Timpanogos and expanded the badges to a peak challenge last year. This year, the company has a GOAT Challenge for hiking Utah peaks and an Escape the Noise Challenge for popular family friendly hikes around the Wasatch Front.

Provo hiker Tennison Hunter thinks it’s “really cool” what the company has done with the badges because it “draws a community together.”

The badges were a “huge inspiration” for him to work on himself, as Hunter said he was headed down a “dark path” three years ago. He decided he wanted to change and began hiking the Y in Provo. After seeing how difficult it was, he was determined to get in better shape, both mentally and physically.

Hunter then saw a news story about the Timp Badges and said it was like “fuel” to him. He has hiked Timp every year since — he summited the peak four times last year alone — along with dozens of other trails.

“I think it’s really cool because we all like working toward something,” he said.

That drive is now spreading to his kids as they’ve started tagging along wanting to do hard hikes too. And having a badge you can collect as a reward for completing a challenge certainly doesn’t hurt, he added.

“There’s something about just being in nature. Get out there and test your own limits. You’re going to push your own boundaries, and you’re going to be surprised with what you are actually capable of,” he said.

An accessible hobby for anyone

Meehan did four of the badge hikes last year — including hiking Mount Timp for the first time — and has a goal this year to do all of the challenge hikes.

“The extra incentive is so much fun, especially if you’re the type of person who likes a gold star at the end of a hard hike,” she said. “It’s cool to look back and see the hard hikes you did and encourage yourself to do ever harder hikes.”

Entry-level challenges make hiking more accessible, Meehan said. Not everyone thinks summiting a peak is fun, but almost everyone can enjoy a small hike that helps them connect with nature.

“Whether it’s five minutes or a five-hour hike, it really does something to clear your mind where it’s just really refreshing,” she said. “That sense of reconnect is amazing, and having it so close is so special.”

She encourages everyone to explore the state because too many people take the mountains and natural beauty for granted. Meehan finds peace by taking in the moment while on hikes, listening to a river or enjoying the spring blossoms.

“This is such a cool state we live in that offers a diverse landscape, whether I’m in southern Utah wanting to go for a walk in a National Park or I can explore the northern Uintas … both are doable no matter the skill range. There’s so many options and diversity Utah offers to explore and clear your mind (and) appreciate what is around us,” she said.

With technology nowadays, “everybody wants your attention,” Hunter said. “But when you get out into the mountains, it forces you to put away your phone. Anything that comes through, can’t until you get back into range. It forces all the distractions to go away.”

Hunter loves that hiking gives him time to himself to think about who he is and what he wants to do with his life.

“It’s so peaceful. You get to be with yourself … it’s so simple and that’s what you get and it’s so enjoyable all at the same time. It’s so easy to get caught up in the next thing, but it forces you to be present. Nothing beats it. I love it,” he said.

As Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrapped up a trip across the northern border to discuss trade partnerships with Canada, an ambassador from across the Atlantic landed in Salt Lake City with the aim of preserving business relationships.

European Union Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė came to the Beehive State with a message: If President Donald Trump follows through with aggressive global tariffs, “nobody else but consumers will pay for that.”

Earlier this week, the Trump administration pressed pause on a “reciprocal” 20% tariff on all goods from the EU for 90 days — a move that Trump says will give the White House time to negotiate a better deal. The EU had announced retaliatory plans — now also shelved — hours earlier.

Still, a 10% minimum universal tariff and a 25% tariff on cars, steel and aluminum remain in place.

Neliupšienė told The Salt Lake Tribune in a Friday interview that she hopes Utah leaders can help increase pressure on Trump to negotiate a trade agreement. The ambassador is encouraging “every good word saying that tariffs will not solve the problem,” she said.

Her two-day agenda included visits with Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and two of Utah’s six members of Congress — Reps. Burgess Owens and Mike Kennedy. Trade, Neliupšienė said, was the highest priority on her list as she entered the meetings.

Republican officials in Utah have so far had split reactions to Trump’s tariffs.

Cox has repeatedly expressed skepticism, saying during a news conference on PBS Utah last month, “I think it’s a huge gamble.”

Owens, ahead of his meeting with Neliupšienė, praised Trump’s tariff plans in a Thursday interview with Fox Business, calling the president “an absolute genius of an entrepreneur.”

“He’s showing what it is to reward good behavior,” Owens said. “All those countries decided they wanted to at least have a conversation — that’s good behavior. Those who decided to retaliate on us, then they’re cut out of this whole process.”

The EU is Utah’s second largest trade partner, Neliupšienė said. According to the ambassador, trade between Utah and EU member countries approaches $10 billion annually.

Beyond inflating prices and disrupting supply chains, Neliupšienė contended, increasing tariffs risks eliminating jobs. She said over the last decade, Utah jobs at EU companies have increased by 48%.

“Our economies are so interlinked,” Neliupšienė said.

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.

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As they get ready to play the Utah Jazz (17-63) on Friday, April 11 at Delta Center, with the opening tip at 9:30 p.m. ET, the Oklahoma City Thunder (66-14) have nine players currently listed on the injury report. The Jazz’s injury report also has nine players on it.

The Thunder won their most recent game against the Suns, 125-112, on Wednesday. Jalen Williams starred with 33 points, and also had seven rebounds and five assists. On Wednesday, in their most recent game, the Jazz beat the Trail Blazers 133-126 in OT. With 30 points, Kyle Filipowski was their top scorer.

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Thunder vs. Jazz Game Info

• Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• How to watch on TV: KJZZ and FDSOK
• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Venue: Delta Center
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