Republican States Targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts in Higher Education

Student activism has been around in the U.S. since the 1700s, when attendees of Harvard College arranged a walkout over the quality of the school's butter. In the two and a half centuries since, protests on college campuses have addressed a range of more serious issues, from racial justice to sexual assault and more.

“DeSantis has been so vocal about the changes he wants to make in universities that it has probably spurred activity in other states,” said Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, a conservative nonprofit based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Campus DEI offices often spearhead services tailored to students of various races, genders, sexual orientations, cultures and abilities. Some college administrators also consider diversity and equity when admitting students, providing scholarships or deciding which faculty to hire and promote. Applicants may be asked not only for resumes and references, but also for statements about how they would advance DEI efforts.

Provisions blocking spending on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts also have been added to budget bills in Kansas and Texas. Separate bills banning spending for DEI offices in higher education have been proposed in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia, though some of those already have failed.

“It feels like an attack on my identity,” said Sameeha Rizvi, a university senior who said she has benefitted from DEI initiatives as a Muslim woman of color with a disability. “It is exceptionally hurtful and tiring to see this very hateful rhetoric being employed by legislators." The Martin Center and Goldwater Institute released model legislation last year describing mandatory DEI statements from students and staff as a prohibited “political test.” Lawmakers in Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma and Texas all filed bills this year using the suggested wording.

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GOP states targeting diversity, equity efforts in higher edRepublican governors and lawmakers are increasingly targeting “diversity, equity and inclusion” initiatives in public colleges and universities. An Associated Press analysis identified more than 30 bills in at least a dozen Republican-led states that seek to ban funding for diversity, equity and inclusion offices or prohibit the consideration of such concepts in employment decisions and student admissions. Many of the bills trace their roots to one of a half-dozen conservative or libertarian groups offering model legislation or recommendations on the topic. Republicans contend the offices are promoting liberal ideology. But some faculty and students say that's a mischaracterization. Excellent. Yes, because DEI is a framework seeking to implement systemic racism and sexism policies that are obviously against Title VI, Title IX and 5 USC 2301. Protecting racism and sexism through nice sounding words is still illegal in America. Awesome!
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »

GOP states targeting diversity, equity efforts in higher educationThe proposed measures have become the latest flashpoint in a cultural battle involving race, ethnicity and gender that has been amplified by prominent Republicans.
Source: ladailynews - 🏆 332. / 59 Read more »

GOP states targeting diversity, equity efforts in higher educationFrustrated by college diversity initiatives he says are 'fomenting radical and toxic divisions,' Texas state Rep. Carl Tepper set out to put an end to diversity, equity and inclusion offices in higher education. Good.
Source: WashTimes - 🏆 235. / 63 Read more »