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Racism is such a touchy topic that many US educators avoid it – we are college professors who tackled that challenge head on

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Education – The Conversation

University faculty members developed a course at the University of Missouri to address racial issues and history, following the Black Lives Matter protests. The course, “Race and the American Story”, launched in 2017, encourages honest conversations about race through historical documents, music, and group discussions. The course aims to break the cycle of racial injustice and forgetfulness in American history. The authors argue that current K-12 education on race is inadequate, often avoiding the subject or presenting a skewed narrative. The course has received positive feedback and interest from other universities.

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Why America Still Doesn’t Have a Female President

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The Atlantic

Sexism, perceived need for masculine traits, and violation of gender norms hinder female presidential candidates in the US. Despite successful women in other political roles, voters struggle to envision a female president. Overcoming this requires significant political tailwinds and downplaying gender.

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Webinar Focuses on the Impact of DEI Programs in Higher Education

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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.

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The Democrats Need an Honest Conversation on Gender Identity

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The Atlantic

Democrats’ unclear stance on transgender policies, particularly in sports, impacted election results. Trump’s campaign ads highlighting Kamala Harris’s support for taxpayer-funded gender-reassignment surgery for prisoners shifted votes in his favor. Post-election, dissent emerged within the Democratic party over the lack of response to these attacks. Biden’s administration has advocated for gender identity over biological sex, but hasn’t clearly explained its stance to the public. The issue of transgender women competing in women’s sports remains contentious, with some Democrats losing races for supporting single-sex sports. The party’s reluctance to discuss trans issues and tendency to label skeptics as bigots has been criticized. A compromise on these issues could prevent backlash and better protect transgender Americans.

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International Conference Offers Solutions-Based Outcomes to Challenges Facing Urban Schools

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Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Urban Education Conference discusses challenges, solutions for urban schools. Dr. Leslie Fenwick highlights historical purging of Black educators, calls for diversifying teaching force. Successful educational models shared, including anti-racist training academy, BOLD Leadership Network’s mentoring for Black teachers, Pathways2Teaching program for high school students, and MEGA initiative for male college students of color.

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From Challenge to Triumph: Empowering Marginalized Students to Become Scholars

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Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Underrepresented students face systemic barriers in higher education. Financial issues, self-imposed barriers, and biases hinder their success. Supportive communities and mentorship can help navigate these obstacles. Lifeline mentorship, which considers individual needs and goals, is more effective than clinical mentorship. Educators must adapt to students’ evolving needs, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The AACTE Holmes Scholars Program exemplifies this approach, supporting minoritized doctoral students. Dr. Amanda Wilkerson advocates for a steadfast commitment to inclusive environments for underrepresented students’ success.

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The Sooner, The Better: Building Financial Literacy Among Black Students (and Communities)

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Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Hairston and Ford, from low-income backgrounds, advocate for financial literacy in Black and Brown communities. Systemic racism contributes to Blacks being low income, even when employed. Financial literacy should be taught in schools from middle school, with prevention and early intervention strategies. They recommend teaching financial principles, integrating financial literacy into math classes, inviting guest speakers, teaching investment strategies, and involving families and local businesses. Breaking poverty cycles and building generational wealth are essential.

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Providing Tuition Assistance to Native American Students

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Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Michigan State University (MSU) will offer in-state tuition to out-of-state Native American students from Fall 2025 through the Native American Tuition Advantage Program (NATAP). The initiative aims to increase Native student enrollment and completion rates, and build a community attractive to prospective Native staff, faculty, and students. MSU also offers the Maynard Kennedy Turtle Island Acknowledgement Scholarship and participates in the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver. Pell-eligible out-of-state Native students can receive a full tuition waiver, and those from families earning $65,000 or less can receive a full tuition waiver through the Spartan Tuition Advantage Program. The initiative is a collaboration between MSU’s Native American Institute, Office of Admissions, Office of Financial

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On a Mission: Damon L. Williams Jr., Takes on the World

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Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

In 1986, Damon L. Williams, Jr. was uninvited from a friend’s birthday party at a country club due to his race. This experience sparked his determination to ensure access for all, particularly marginalized individuals. Williams, who attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU), used his social capital to expand access for himself and others. He eventually gained access to the same country club that had barred him, bringing his Black friends with him. Williams’ commitment to building access led him to a career in higher education, where he has worked at both public and private institutions, including HBCUs and Predominantly White Institutions. He has held roles at Georgia State University, Xavier University, Emory University, and Northwestern University

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Seal of Excelencia 2024

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Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Excelencia in Education, founded in 2004, aims to advance Latino student success in higher education by promoting achievement, informing policies, and advancing institutional practices. To earn the Seal of Excelencia, institutions must demonstrate a focus on advancing Latino student success, continuous assessment, and commitment to transformation. The Seal verifies that institutions are serving Hispanic students beyond enrollment. Institutions that have received the Seal enroll 17% of Latino students in the U.S. and graduate 19%. Several universities and colleges across the U.S. have implemented programs and strategies to support Latino students, including financial support, mentorship programs, and data analysis to identify and address gaps.

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