The anti-DEI legislation has threatened more than institutional autonomy. It has undoubtedly set a dangerous precedent leading to further political meddling in academic matters. More public institutions are coming directly under political control, which will have horrifying consequences in the following months.
Colleges and universities nationwide have established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices for years to increase faculty diversity and help students from various backgrounds succeed at the post-secondary level and beyond. In the past few months, DEI advocates at the university level have witnessed their livelihoods at risk. In June, Senate Bill 17 (SB17) was signed into legislation and prohibits Texas state-funded colleges from having DEI offices. Texas is the second state to eliminate DEI after Florida in higher education. While SB17 will take full effect in January 2024, DEI offices and faculty alike in Texas are scrambling to figure out the next steps in saving DEI initiatives campus wide. The legislation adversely impacts those from marginalized populations while also targeting the enhancement of culturally sustaining practices that establish supporting and inviting environments in which students have a sense of belonging. With the new semester on the horizon, anti-DEI legislation is bound to impact campus life and future enrollment in institutions. Students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds will see this bill as a clear indication of the state’s unwillingness to support their needs at the post-secondary level.
Dr. Leslie Ekpe
Anti-DEI laws threaten the advancement of diversifying universities, which is critical when discussing the country’s historical exclusionary practices against minoritized groups. Already, we have witnessed in the past few weeks, students, staff, and faculty at Texas institutions deciding to learn, serve, and teach elsewhere due to the impact of the anti-DEI legislation on their livelihoods. The core of DEI work accounts for less than one percent of institutional spending yet creates outsized benefits for everyone on campus including creating climates where all students can learn and develop ways to dismantle discriminatory educational and work climates. The anti-DEI legislation potentially decreases institutions’ eligibility and accreditation for federally funded research and resource grants that support students. In addition, the loss of DEI offices and resources can negatively impact student life. Some candidates, particularly minority candidates, may feel less welcome on campus due to these changes.
The role of DEI is misunderstood and because of this, many students, faculty, and staff will be harmed by the new legislation. DEI works to create learning and development environments for all university constituents. Universities will only continue to increase in diverse populations which indicates the need for more socially aware campus climates. College is the steppingstone where students learn how to work with and respect people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds. Revoking this will leave students with fewer resources for navigating the real world.
Despite the lack of DEI offices on college campuses, the principles of DEI can still exist if universities choose to adhere to anti-racist policies and practices.
