Gibbons P.C.’s Post

HERE WE GO: UNC-Chapel Hill dissolves entire Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs: Redirects all funds to campus security The UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees unanimously approved reallocating $2.3 million from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to public safety in response to recent campus protests. This decision comes as the UNC Board of Governors considers a broader policy change affecting DEI initiatives across state universities. ***************** Why Redirecting DEI Funds to Security is Problematic ************** ✅ Undermines Inclusion #DEI initiatives are vital for fostering an inclusive campus. Cutting these funds weakens support for marginalized groups. UNC has proven its true commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. ✅ Reactive Approach Focusing on redirecting funding towards security addresses symptoms, not the root causes of campus unrest. ✅Negative Message ✔️Prioritizing security over DEI suggests these goals are mutually exclusive. → A strong DEI program enhances overall campus safety. ✅ Concerning Precedent → This decision could lead other universities to devalue DEI efforts, hindering progress in higher education. Investing in DEI fosters a stronger, more inclusive community. Security is essential, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of systemic change and equity. What do you think about this move❓ #DEI #studyabroad

Advocating for freedom of association is crucial, especially for organizations like Greek life, which often provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community service on college campuses. Greek organizations not only offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie but also foster leadership skills, philanthropic endeavors, and academic support systems. These groups contribute positively to campus culture by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and a strong sense of community. By participating in initiatives like the First Amendment Institute, members of organizations like Tri Delta gain a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities as advocates for their organizations and the broader community. This knowledge empowers them to effectively engage in dialogue, promote positive change, and uphold the values of freedom and association. Ultimately, recognizing the value of Greek life and supporting initiatives that empower its members to advocate for their rights ensures that these organizations continue to enrich campus life and contribute positively to society.

Don't tell me this is not targeting. This is a maneuver to respond to the protest and demands for equality after 2020. This is the rise of hateful politicians in power to abuse and misuse their roles. This party is the same party associated with the seize on our capitol. THEY, all of them, should be stripped of their power. Banned from office. This is not America, but the beginnings of a dictatorship behavior. America is governed by the people for the people NOT certain people. It's unconstitutional. THIS. IS. CORRUPTION. A grave example of why we should have a separation between politics and education. Education welcomes ALL, not manipulates all for political advantage. Btw, research the 10th Amendment, which basically said if the law hasn't been defined by federal or state, then THE PEOPLE have the power.

In this article, CMBF President Meredith Shoop interviews Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf, Co-Deans of the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. The interview discusses their decade-long commitment to the university, the challenges faced and overcome during their tenure, the importance of experiential education, and their efforts towards equity and inclusion in higher education. The Co-Deans also share insights into community engagement, the significance of the Pogue Award, and their future endeavors. https://lnkd.in/eU5hRDk9

New Blog Post ✍️ As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, let's also look forward to the bright futures they will forge, thanks to the solid foundation they have built at The College of Westchester. Our Keynote Speaker, Westchester Board Legislator, Jewel Williams Johnson, beautifully encapsulated this sentiment: “You have the power to make a difference......" Full blog here: https://ow.ly/4HZY50Sxcuy

Location, location, location ... transformational plans for Georgetown students, professors, leadership and vital degree programs to be near the epicenter of change so desperately needed in business, environment, health, and technology

States like Texas and North Carolina are dismantling DEI programs, impacting college admissions and funding for Black high school graduates. This shift in policy could limit opportunities for under-represented students, potentially affecting their college choices and financial aid. The University of Texas at Austin and Duke University have already seen changes, with Texas eliminating DEI offices and Duke replacing a full-ride scholarship for students of African descent. This raises concerns about the future of diversity and inclusion in higher education. Read the story: https://bit.ly/44R3drS

“Despite only representing 3% of all four-year institutions, [HBCUs] graduate 17% of all bachelor’s degrees and 24% of all STEM-related bachelor’s degrees for Black students, enrolling ‘more than twice as many Pell Grant-eligible students as non-HBCUs.’ Charging tuition rates that are on average nearly 30% less than at comparable non-HBCUs, these schools are among the best return on our nation’s post-secondary education investments. However, HBCUs have historically been underfunded and continue to be.” Writing for Diverse: Issues In Higher Education, Thurgood Marshall College Fund president and CEO, Dr. Harry L. Williams, describes how investing in HBCUs can help increase higher education enrollment among Black students: https://lnkd.in/e8-qsAfB

I have a professional update to celebrate (and others to come!). I have been selected the 2024 Educator of the Year by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. This is the highest honor award for excellence in teaching in the entire Minnesota State system. Only 4 are selected out of dozens of applications. I am grateful to have several mentors and inspiring students in my professional journey who motivated me to pursue better and more innovative ways to delivery my teaching and to connect students to more relatable experiences and real world examples with maintaining high academic rigor. Some of my innovations include mixing a traditional course on Labor Economics with a study abroad component, jigsaw activities to discussed peer-reviewed articles, simulations of immigration process experiences, Pre and Post Debates, self introductions in online courses with sharing gratitude and savoring experiences, and incorporating students to real data to analyze local issues. Further, my activities also include direct discussions on equity, disparities, implicit bias, and examples that demystify the economics profession. #IlookLikeAnEconomist

A piece I co-authored with Dr. Cynthia Glover-Woods, chair CCEE Governing Board, on Black Family Engagement was recently reviewed.   "Another impressive work in this volume is presented by Latunde and Glover Woods in “Centering the Epistemologies of Black People in Family–School–University Partnerships toSupport Students.” Most impressive was what appeared to be the authentic connection between the school district and community members that challenged deficit notions of studentunderachievement. This was done not only by ensuring racist and classist assumptions did not go unchallenged, but also recognizing the assets brought by parents and families, and structuring leadership in the project and the school district to take advantage of the parents’ wisdom and expertise. Indeed, the project “disrupt(ed) the status quo by situating Black people as the leaders and decision makers in schools” (p. 189). The authors’ positionality was also mentioned here, consistent with the article's approach to the research. Although student achievement data is absent for the three-year project, the infrastructure established is impressive. The effectiveness of theproject was measured by a rubric with a “continuous improvement” focus. The inclusion of this rubric would have been helpful as well. Although the work was a bit dated, a brief web search indicates that the project continues as of this writing. Updates with the integration of recent thought on the abolitionist movement could bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to this work."