Fostering a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at U.S. colleges and universities, was the focus of a webinar sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
The conversation, titled, "Championing Inclusion: The Impact of DEI Programs in Higher Education,” provided valuable insights on navigating challenges and championing inclusion in the evolving landscape of academia.
U.S. Congressman and CBC Chair Steven Horsford opened the webinar on Wednesday evening, by reminding participants about the value of DEI efforts amidst a challenging political landscape.
“Now more than ever, it is critical to protect and champion these efforts. These programs are not just about diversity for diversity’s sake, they are about equity, justice and building an educational environment where all voices are valued, all experiences are respected and everyone has a fair shot at success,” said Horsford, who represents Nevada in Congress. “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a moment where our collective efforts are under attack. Misconceptions and misinformation about these initiatives have fueled a misleading narrative,” he added.
Panelists included Drs. Shaun Harper, Provost Professor of Education, Public Policy and Business at the University of Southern California; Khalil Muhammad, Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, and Kimberly Griffin, Dean and Professor of Education at the University of Maryland.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion policies and programs aim to right the past and present wrongs of America. They're not anti-American. As a matter of fact, they attempt to help America enact the ideals that we have long espoused,” said Harper. “Many of the DEI obstructionists very wrongly accuse those of us who do the work, as being anti-American and people who hate America. No, we love America enough to try to make it the most diverse, equitable and inclusive version of itself in the context of higher education.”
