Hundreds of University of Maryland students protested at the school's flagship College Park campus against the removal of a popular diversity officer.

Cordell Black, the associate provost for equity and diversity, is being replaced by a part-time administrator to help cut costs. However, Black won't be losing his job because he is a tenured professor and will remain on the faculty.

University spokesman Milree Williams said the university is not retreating from diversity efforts. University Provost Nariman Farvardin met Thursday with student leaders and told them he would not reverse the decision, but would work with them on other demands, including allowing student input on future cost-cutting.

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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com