The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Post

https://lnkd.in/e252B2nx In the wake of recent discussions at UNC-Chapel Hill regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, it's clear that the conversation surrounding these initiatives is more crucial than ever. The article sheds light on the intricate dynamics within the education system, politics, and the broader social landscape. As someone who strides through the political and social sectors, the debate at UNC-Chapel Hill is a microcosm of the broader national discourse on DEI. Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts' attempt to maneuver through the politically charged atmosphere while focusing on serving all of North Carolina reflects the delicate balance leaders in academia must strike in today's polarized environment. The criticism faced by Roberts for his responses (or lack thereof) to questions about DEI policies and legislation in other states, like Florida and Alabama, underscores the expectation for educational leaders to be not only aware of but also engaged in national debates that affect their institutions. The active involvement and critique from student organizers at UNC highlight a generational drive to hold leaders accountable and push for transparent and informed governance. This engagement is commendable and demonstrates a rising demand for leadership that recognizes and navigates the complexity of DEI issues with informed sensitivity. In reflecting on this scenario, it's apparent that the discussion on DEI is not just a matter of policy but also leadership, accountability, and active civic engagement. The challenge lies in reconciling diverse viewpoints within a framework that respects and uplifts marginalized communities without sidelining the essence of academic freedom and open discourse. To further engage with this topic, I propose the following questions to spark conversation and deeper reflection among my LinkedIn comrades: 1. Do you believe university leaders should be well-versed in DEI-related legislation in other states? 2. How important is student activism in shaping university policies, especially concerning DEI? 3. Have you or someone you know ever faced a risk related to your or their DEI position? I encourage everyone to weigh in, share thoughts, and contribute to a robust discussion. Engaging in these conversations is not just about exchanging ideas but also about shaping the future of education and governance in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of our diverse society. #DEIPolicies #HigherEducation #UniversityLeadership #StudentActivism #AcademicFreedom #InclusiveEducation #EquityAndInclusion #GovernanceAndPolicy #CivicEngagement #SocialChange #TheMalbrueGroup #Policy #Advocacy

I here some people say they don't engage in politics, but I often wonder if they realize how political their lives truly are. In higher education, many of us simply want to do our jobs, serve, and create a positive experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, the ongoing attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are resulting in policies that jeopardize our ability to feel safe and inspired in our work. Boards wield significant influence over institutional priorities and decisions. Recent events at George Mason University and the exertion of power by Governors in different states are deeply troubling. Manipulating tenure processes for political motives is disheartening, and eliminating DEI initiatives only harms individuals. Moreover, altering curricula to include incomplete and biased information has detrimental effects. To my colleagues and peers in higher education, I urge you to stay informed about the actions of your board or leadership. It's crucial to be aware of the changes being made and the impact they may have on our community and the education we provide.

The University of Florida has made headlines after eliminating all positions associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in compliance with new state regulations. This move, affecting thirteen full-time positions and administrative appointments for fifteen faculty members, follows the enactment of a bill largely banning state-funded DEI initiatives in Florida. OAIB strongly condemns the decision to dismantle DEI efforts at the University of Florida. DEI programs are not just about compliance; they are essential for creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected. This move undermines the progress towards equality, equity, and diversity, and its impact will be felt for generations to come. To read more about this alarming development and its implications, check out the full article by Anna Betts in The New York Times: https://loom.ly/oNWmn6E

During the last legislative session, top leaders at The University of Texas at Austin made some concerning comments regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The amount of gaslighting by university officials was real. They suggested that maybe we need to rethink our investments in DEI and maybe we are too invested in access and belonging. This is alarming and raises questions about the university's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. I know there was much to combat last session, but the answer was not to question my profession or work and the investment in student resources. Furthermore, many Texas Democratic Party elected officials and staff (both from Austin and across the state) were dismissive when approached for support. As a DEI administrator, I was told that I am just going to need a title change, and effectively was being asked to do DEI work from the closet. When I tried to share how this was impacting me as a professional/person of color, and the potential impact for the students we serve, I was met with awkward and blank stares. I am saddened by the lack of support for our community when decisions were being made. The outcome may have been similar, but the experience could have been less damaging. I was made to feel like my expertise, my position, and my work didn't matter. So the question becomes, what do we do now? It's time to #divest from UT and invest in institutions and community organizations that prioritize DEI. This is a call for alumni, donors, foundations, and corporations alike. We need to hold our institutions accountable for their commitment to creating and standing up for an inclusive environment. #DivestFromUT #txlege #DEI #higherED

The University of Missouri announced that it would eliminate its Division of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity. Mizzou’s decision comes after pressure from conservative state lawmakers who have shown hostility toward efforts to attract and retain students from historically underrepresented groups.   Mizzou’s decision and the closure of DEI offices around the country are steps backwards for higher education. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives strengthen campus communities, not divide them. Everyone benefits when we value one another, honor and celebrate our differences, and seek to better understand one other.    Former Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX for the University of Missouri and Mehri & Skalet, PLLC Managing Partner Ellen Eardley said:   “In 2015, students, faculty, and staff and administrators – led by Concerned Student 1950 - exposed the ongoing inequities on Mizzou’s campus and called for change. The IDE Division was Mizzou’s long overdue response. When Mizzou created the division it centralized resources and elevated diversity and non-discrimination principles to the highest levels of the institution with a seat on the chancellor or president’s cabinet. Now that leadership and the focus on implementing DEI values throughout the culture, research, and teaching of the institution is gone. This is a tragedy. To the staff that remain dispersed across campus, may you find strength and fortitude during these troubled times. You are true heroes.”   #DEI #UniversityofMissouri #CivilRights #TitleIX #Colleges #Universities   https://lnkd.in/dzyeve2G

Last week, Oklahoma Governor Stitt issued an Executive Order, in part, requiring universities to examine their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Let’s get one thing crystal clear: while the Executive Order is designed to incite fear, it does not require Oklahoma’s educational institutions to stop their DEI programs.   “The University of Oklahoma did not need to eradicate its DEI programs in response to Governor Stitt’s order. While the order is terrible and unnecessary and yet only the latest effort by the State to scale back hard-fought improvements by professors and students to ensure that they have the necessary education to thrive in our multi-racial world, the order only calls for a “review” of the work of DEI offices. Without DEI offices, underrepresented students may feel isolated and excluded, which is proven to undermine educational success. OU must reverse its abandonment of DEI initiatives immediately.” - David Hinojosa, Director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers’ Committee. You can read more about what this executive order could mean for Oklahoma’s educational institutions here: https://lnkd.in/eyA2mdB3

https://lnkd.in/gUSMSq4W The University of Florida eliminated all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) positions in February 2023. This decision came after the Florida Board of Governors passed a rule prohibiting the use of public funds for DEI programs in the state's public universities. The university eliminated 13 full-time DEI positions and ended DEI-related appointments for 15 faculty members. The Office of the Chief Diversity Officer was also closed and the university cited the new state regulations as the reason for these actions. The move complies with a state law that barred public universities from using government funds for initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Last year, Florida became one of the first states to enact laws restricting or eliminating DEI initiatives, which prompted other Republican-led states to follow suit, including Texas, where a ban on DEI initiatives and offices at publicly-funded universities and colleges took effect on January 1. In Utah, the governor last month signed a bill paring back DEI programs at state universities and in state government. And the Alabama Legislature is considering similar legislation. Link in bio to read the full article and subscribe to have access to unlimited daily articles. #financialmarkets #business #politics #economics #thelakestreetreview #Americannews #Africannews #americanmarkets #africanmarkets #mediacompany #newscompany #LSR

For California to maintain its political leadership and economic standing as the fifth-largest global economy, it must invest in the diverse talent that can adequately educate and create equitable, student-centered environments conducive to student success. The reality is that today, California’s Black, Latinx, underrepresented Asian American and NHPI, and AIAN residents and scholars are still left out, limiting our state’s and students’ potential. Campaign for College Opportunity’s new report “Still Left Out: How Exclusion In California’s Colleges & Universities Continues To Hurt Our Values, Students, and Democracy” documents the lack of full inclusion and diversity reflective of California’s population among students attending the @uofcalifornia (UC), @thecsu (CSU), and @californiacommunitycolleges. These reports include a systemwide analysis of leadership at the UC, CSU, and community colleges, plus a detailed campus-by-campus analysis of senior leaders, faculty, and academic senate bodies. Read the full report: . #racialequity #higheredequity #CAEconomy #EconomicMobility #HigherEd #HigherEducation #PostsecondaryEducation

Kudos to the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago for hosting another superlative Harris Reunion Weekend a few weeks ago. As always, the event combines celebration (Harris Alumni Awards dinner), the "State of the School" speech by Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, insightful faculty talks, and the always welcome opportunity to catch with with friends old and new. The faculty talks were uniformly excellent - Professor Lesley Turner spoke about Inequality and Education, Professor Christopher Berry walked us through a fascinating study of property taxes, and Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita provided thoughtful insight on Freedom of Expression and the Chicago Principles, and how Harris is working to enhance civil discourse at the University and beyond. The "Chicago Principles" are a set of guiding principles intended to demonstrate a commitment to freedom of speech and freedom of expression on college campuses in the United States derive in part from the 1967 "Kalven Report" on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action. Recent events have, I think, shown that a principled approach to public speech, consistently applied, has many benefits for the community. The Chicago Principles may even provide useful insight for how corporate America might navigate stakeholder pressure to take positions on current events. For a video of the full speech (worth watching!) - https://lnkd.in/gqA2Enxk

In May, the University of North Carolina System repealed and replaced its diversity, equity, and inclusion policy. Ever since, many on campuses have anxiously awaited the September deadline for all 16 public universities to submit reports on changes they made as a result. Today in The Quad for The Assembly, I broke down the long-awaited reports. Here are some topline numbers: 🔷 59 positions were “eliminated." 🔷 131 positions were “realigned.” 🔷 7 universities eliminated offices with no direct replacement. 🔷 6 universities redesigned, renamed, or replaced their old DEI offices. 🔷 3 universities had no centralized DEI office to begin with. 🔷 $16 million from DEI programs will be redirected to “student success” and “wellbeing” efforts, as permitted by the board last spring. Even with the reports out, this is likely not the end of the road for UNC schools. Read more details and analysis in The Quad and subscribe to receive the next edition in your inbox. https://lnkd.in/e-E-Whzv