Students received an email from the University today stating that University of Alabama President Stuart Bell announced today that he has directed the Strategic Planning Council to add a central diversity officer and develop a new diversity plan.

The email said Bell met with students, faculty and staff over the last 10 days to talk about the University’s diversity and inclusion efforts. He has tasked Interim Provost Kevin Whitaker and Vice President for Student Affairs David Grady with assessing current diversity initiatives.

The Strategic Planning Council will begin meeting Dec. 9, the email read.

“Recent events around the nation have shed light on the need for greater inclusion and diversity at all colleges and universities,” Bell said in the email. “This requires that we look at our universities and ourselves with a new lens, examining past practices and renewing our continued commitment to equality and inclusion for everyone.”