Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
First-generation college student, Black woman, and child of immigrants, Caroline Laguerre-Brown, advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. She warns against the growing backlash against DEI efforts, arguing that dismantling these programs threatens societal progress and national strength. Anti-DEI efforts, she suggests, are rooted in fear of exposure to diverse perspectives. DEI programs have been shown to improve student outcomes and prepare students for a diverse workforce. Laguerre-Brown urges stakeholders to communicate the value of DEI programs and resist efforts to erode them. She provides advice for leaders in supportive and challenging states, faculty members, and staff in leadership roles to strengthen DEI efforts.