Jonathan Wesley, Ph.D.’s Post

Something HAS to change! Why does it have to get to this point? Why can't proactive measures be taken? Why can't our appeals for help, support, and addressing these issues be taken seriously? To ALL of my Black Queens, I SEE YOU! As a Black woman who lives with multiple mental health diagnoses and a two-time suicide attempt survivor, I know all too well the struggles. I have experienced struggling with addressing workplace mistreatment, toxic work environments, unprofessionalism, being Black and misunderstood, and being told how resilient I am despite my outcries. Individuals who live with mental health challenges (diagnosed or undiagnosed) still HAVE to live, navigate, operate, and function in a society that has all the cards stacked against them. We fight against inner stigma, community stigma, religious stigma, workplace stigma, academic stigma, and societal stigma. We still have bills to pay, families to care for, and fight for our well-being! For many, we HAVE to work and desire to do so. We still want to seek higher education. Some wish to use our lived experiences to help illicit change and inspire others. Then, add the other intersectionalities that cause additional stressors, barriers, stigmas, and ways to discriminate against us. May Dr. Bonnie rest in POWER!

A toxic work environment should never be ignored. Board members and executives need to pay attention and strive to fix a compromised work culture. One of the major signs of a poor working environment is high turnover. Even if the executive team isn't hearing anything directly from their employees or in their standard anonymous culture surveys, the turnover should be seen as silent screams. People often leave their toxic managers or their toxic colleagues, not the company itself. Others aren't always lucky enough to be able to leave on their own terms and it's heartbreaking.

As we approach the anniversary of October 7th, I am saddened and troubled by reports of student groups organizing events and inviting speakers to campuses that spread messages of hate and division. This day marks the horrific murder of over 1,200 people, including women, young adults, and children—the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. It is also the day seven American hostages were taken, and those Americans remain in captivity to this day. Many students on these campuses have personal connections to those who were brutally killed or called into service as a result. While I fully support free speech, we must recognize the difference between exercising this right and weaponizing it to hurt others. On campuses that claim to champion tolerance and inclusion, these events feel deeply disrespectful and divisive. Imagine the outrage if, on the first anniversary of 9/11, an event was held to demonize America and support terrorism while mourners still grieved. October 7th should be a day of remembrance, mourning, and peace, not one that exacerbates pain. There is simply no need for an event advocating for Palestinians, however well-intentioned, to take place on that date. Noah Stifelman, a student at Emory University, expressed this well in his op-ed regarding an event planned on his campus. He urged his peers to choose decency and humanity over unchecked free speech: “Ultimately, this is a moral choice. Students must choose to resist the impulse to exercise their rights to the fullest in favor of creating space for collective grief. I ask that you, the leaders of ESJP, help our campus take one step closer to the healing and dialogue that are necessary if we are to be the generation to break the cycle of violence.” Many campus leaders have chosen not to allow these events, while others look the other way. If leadership fails to uphold the values of respect, morality, and unity on this anniversary, students should reflect on the kind of community they want. How would they feel if their grief was undermined or dismissed in such a way? Ultimately, we choose whether to fuel division or foster a community rooted in empathy and mutual respect.

This article hit home today. I've spent the past two years building a structure and solution that will give Colleges a fighting chance. If you love your alma mater or want to see small colleges survive, it's time to take a stand and open your wallets to support them. And then call in my team, and we'll support your decisions along the way. It's time for the good fight. A path to die with dignity. Even a program ending is a piece of the institution dying. Let's have open honest conversations about it - before it's too late. "We owe it to our customers, and we owe it to ourselves to fight the good fight, but also, if the end is drawing near, to exit with dignity and to die a good death... The National Academy of Medicine has said a good death is one that is “free from avoidable distress and suffering for patients, families, and caregivers; in general accord with patients’ and families’ wishes; and reasonably consistent with clinical, cultural, and ethical standards.”   A good death for colleges is difficult but doable — but only if we have open, honest conversations." https://lnkd.in/exsTEcyU

Wise advice and solid suggestions for reform!

Wisdom! Turning the page to 2024 prompts a moment of reflection, urging us to script a promising chapter marked by the finesse of peaceful dialogue, the embrace of transformative technology, and the birth of forward-thinking ideas. Great article & list!

Here is the link to the article shared in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. I hope it's helpful.

Exactly. Companies can indeed learn from this example being set by Ben Sasse and being backed up by the University of Florida Board of Trustees. Stay true to your own values, stakeholders (students, parents, staff, alums) and core mission. When this is accomplished, an organization is far more successful that those that bow to the latest pressures from ideological warriors. And when nexessary hold those inside the organization accountable when they harm the organization’s ability to achieve its goals.

It's fantastic news that Matt Hancock's bill has progressed in Parliament! The bill has passed to the next stage, does it have longevity ... I hope so, is it necessary? Hell yes, plus it is another step forward to getting much-needed support for our young ones when they most need it and that is when they are young early diagnosis early intervention. Early screening and teacher training for neurodivergent conditions are crucial steps toward providing better support for young people who need it. Setting them on a path to success. It's not just about identifying challenges but also about implementing effective solutions and empowering young people to thrive. Education should be inclusive and accommodating of different learning styles and needs. It's heartening to see such passion for positive change, and it's essential to keep pushing forward with this momentum. United efforts can truly make a difference in creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all. Once again thank you Genius Within CIC and everyone else that attended. #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Education #YoungPeopleMatter Not my image.