Diversity Works’ Post

I have seen the way that work labeled DEI has made space for ideas, people and policies that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. It has reduced exclusion in who gets hired and promoted, broadened educational opportunities available to students, and expanded the kinds of work that are possible in the College of Engineering. While we fall short in many ways, dismantling the structures that stretch us will ensure we fall shorter.

This first week of December may be one of the hardest weeks of my professional life so far. Here's what I know: The work my colleagues and I do in "DEI" is really care work, interpersonal work, community work, accessibility work, teaching work, strategic work, and development work. Yes, it's expensive (worthwhile programs usually are) -- and it also brings in money and talent to the institution! We spend a great deal of time strategizing, scoping, and building out metrics and assessment to help us understand the impact of our work and how to do it better, which usually operates outside of semester timelines, academic year calendar timelines, and even cohort timelines. None of this matters if the leaders of our institution fundamentally believe that social identities, like race and gender, are only superficial diversity-- to be seen and not heard. None of this matters if the leaders of our institution think that the playing field is already level for folks when they arrive to the institution. None of this matters if the demonization of our work is just the latest talking point to score political prestige. https://lnkd.in/g-_RYJxk

State AAUP conferences bring together faculty members to advocate for academic freedom and shared governance on campus and across the state. "Increasingly, they also provide members with a means of fighting back against legislative efforts to target higher educa­tion, often in collaboration with other local, regional, or national organizations." #academicfreedom #sharedgovernance #dueprocess #tenure #qualityeducation #criticalthinking https://lnkd.in/g94XJ_jr

“It was time to respond—and AAC&U did,” writes Inside Higher Ed's Jessica Blake about the Campus Conflict and Conversation Help Desk, a new resource for college and university faculty seeking peer-to-peer advice on how to navigate emerging issues on campus such as protests, political tensions, and self-censorship. Learn more about this free resource from AAC&U and the SUSTAINED DIALOGUE INSTITUTE: https://ow.ly/scvs50Twcj2

Op/Ed in the The Wall Street Journal released at 6:30pm this evening… Interesting times at my alma mater, the great University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill… Our UNC Board of Trustees making a very tough but important decision. In my humble opinion, this decision looks out for the best interests of our great University and our students… While of course most of us who are reasonable acknowledge how very important DEI is, the safety and security of our campus, students, faculty and staff is paramount… Opinion, from Merriam-Webster: a: a belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge b: a formal expression of a judgment or appraisal by an expert While I don’t consider myself an expert, I suggest many of us have an opinion and have a right to voice it peacefully. Excerpt: —- Universities have made big investments lately in diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, and it hasn’t bought them much except divisiveness. Now the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is putting those funds to better use. On Monday its board of trustees voted unanimously to redirect $2.3 million from school DEI programs to public safety…. ‘It’s important to consider the needs of all 30,000 students, not just the 100 or so that may want to disrupt the university’s operations,” said UNC Trustee Marty Kotis. Bigger changes might also be in the offing next week, when the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, which oversees 17 institutions, will review its diversity policies.’ —- Poster’s note and testimonial: I proudly worked for the first of my two Fortune 500 Cos, Hanes (aka Hanes Underwear) right out of UNC Chapel Hill in 1990, helping to manage plants and distribution centers. Hanes was under the parent company, Sara Lee Corpration, who was a pioneer to the predecessor of DEI>>> Workforce Diversity. I quickly saw the positives and strengths of a team not made up only of people just like me. (in my case, an Italian-American male.) Yet another important juncture in our country and I feel confident that, as usual, together we will come out stronger than ever… 💪🏼🇺🇸👍🏼 #GoHeels #USA #InstitutionofHigherlearning #SafeEnvironmentforAll #PositiveEnvironmentforAll

🎓 End Woke Higher Education Act: an ideological attack on academic freedom or a victim of mischaracterizations? Here are two of the bill's provisions: • Call on nonsectarian institutions to adopt the Chicago Principles or similar statements in support of campus free speech and open inquiry. • Criticize—and at public institutions, forbid—the use of political litmus tests in the admissions process as well as in the processes for hiring, firing, and promotion. 📌 Join HxA's Director of Policy Joe Cohn TOMORROW for a live discussion of this important bill as it awaits passage in the Senate. ➡️ Livestream (for non-members): https://ow.ly/huVQ50TuQPL ➡️ Become a member for free (and get participate in the Q&A!): https://ow.ly/9Bbz50TuQPM #HigherEducation #FreeSpeechCulture #CampusCulture #AcademicFreedom #InstitutionalNeutrality #EducationReform #Newsupdates #AcademiaNews

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

While watching a video about recruiting, supporting, and retaining Teachers and Principals of Color courtesy of the Education Justice Research and Organizing Collaborative at NYU Metro Center, Maria Hyler of Learning Policy Institute shared the following: “When we think about high-retention pathways into teaching, some of the things that we need to double down on are the ideas of: 1. Service scholarships 2. Loan forgiveness 3. Grants The financial burden on Teachers of Color are extremely higher than for White Teachers.” What are your thoughts and/or experiences as it pertains to the topic of recruiting, supporting, and retaining Teachers and Principals of Color? Full video: https://lnkd.in/e7gceK5s

In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of race-conscious college admissions. In September 2024, California responded by enacting a comprehensive state policy agenda to actively combat the chilling effects of the SCOTUS ruling on our most vulnerable prospective and current students. From the second in the nation ban on preferential treatment for legacy and donor connected applicants in college admissions at private institutions -- ending the practice statewide in California -- to improved access to streamlined transfer for STEM majors, establishing a Black Serving Institution designation in California and more, we've established a tangible policy blueprint built on data and national exemplars for a comprehensive response to ensure equitable access to college. Far too many individuals and organizations to thank here, but this wouldn't have been possible without the work of the entire Campaign for College Opportunity team, student leaders and expert advocates at University of California Student Association, Cal State Student Association, Student Senate for California Community Colleges & Class Action, and the visionary leadership of Jessie Ryan and Michele Siqueiros (She/Her/Ella) for pushing us to dream big, be nimble, and not shy away from the hardest fights to do right by and with students. And to top it all off, we're hiring! Come join us as our next Director of Policy & Advocacy, a Research Fellow, or a Communications Fellow and help shape the next iteration of our work to reimagine higher education systems and structures to work better for all students: https://lnkd.in/ge7whpaK

🚨 TODAY: what impact could the End Woke Higher Education Act truly have? Here is one of the bill's provisions: • Criticize—and at public institutions, forbid—the use of political litmus tests in the admissions process as well as in the processes for hiring, firing, and promotion. 📌 Join HxA's Director of Policy Joe Cohn TODAY for a live discussion of this important bill as it awaits passage in the Senate. Details in comment below ⬇️