Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation webinar discusses DEI initiatives in U.S. higher education. CBC Chair Steven Horsford emphasizes DEI’s importance for equity, justice, and inclusive education. Panelists highlight DEI’s aim to correct past and present wrongs, benefiting students of color and other protected classes. Over 100 bills proposed since 2021 in 44 states, 22 enacted, defunding DEI programs, reducing student support services, and eliminating certain disciplines. Public discourse around critical race theory and “woke” ideologies leads to self-censorship among educators. Concerns raised over potential Trump presidency targeting higher education financially and changes to accreditation process. Need for unified, strategic approach to counter DEI opposition emphasized.