Defending Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at UNC Schools

DEI in Education

For centuries, American universities were exclusively white and male from its students to its faculty and leadership. Today, African American, Women and other minoritized groups are increasingly present amongst university graduates and cross university leadership, despite representation being the most it's ever been in higher education, universities still continue to significantly fall short mirroring the same issue of national infrastructure as a whole. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion stem from civil rights movements in the 1960s and became the focus for many student protests and the multicultural movement in the 1970s. Reappearing during the racial justice movement in 2020 through racial reckoning and pledges, the purpose for Diversity Equity and Inclusion is to go beyond physical representation. DEI aims for diversity in educational curriculum, policy, and leadership; reflecting true U.S. demographics and promoting a just democracy.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) refers to a set of principles and practices aimed at creating fair, respectful, and inclusive environments. DEI efforts seek to acknowledge and address systemic inequities, promote equitable opportunities and representation, and create spaces where every individual can thrive and be reflected regardless of their age, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and mental or physical ability.

Diversity refers to the representation of various identities and differences, through race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic, or even cognitive. In an educational context, it’s about ensuring that classrooms, teaching staff, and administration is reflective of the multifaceted world we live in. Diversity in education is creating an environment where all voices and perspectives are heard and valued.

Equity is about ensuring that each student gets the resources they need to succeed and thrive. In education, this might mean providing additional support to students from minoritized backgrounds or ensuring that teaching methods support differences in learning.

Inclusion is the active effort to ensure that diverse individuals are fully engaged and integrated into all aspects of the educational experience. Ensuring that these students feel a sense of belonging and are actively involved in classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, and decision-making processes.

Sources:

ttps://sites.lsa.umich.edu/leadership-institute/2021/06/25/the-history-of-diversity-in-higher-education-ali-series-part-i/

https://diversio.com/industries/dei-education/#:~:text=In%20today's%20dynamic%20educational%20landscape,be%20more%20inclusive%20and%20effective.

Brief National Context of DEI

DEI has become a highly debated and politicized issue in the United States. Following the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending race-conscious college admissions, DEI programs are under increased scrutiny. Many Republican-led states are introducing legislation to restrict or eliminate these initiatives while Democratic-leaning states often defend them.

Colleges have established DEI offices and programs to address historical inequities, but critics argue they're costly and may conflict with academic freedom. The debate touches on funding priorities, workplace preparation, and varying definitions of DEI. This has resulted in a patchwork of policies nationwide, with some states restricting DEI efforts while others maintain or expand them.

Source:

https://highered.collegeboard.org/recruitment-admissions/policies-research/access-diversity/2023-scotus-decision#:~:text=On%20June%2029%2C%202023%2C%20the,light%20of%20the%20Court's%20decision.

Chronicle of Higher Education Anti-DEI Legislation Tracker

The Chronicle is tracking 85 bills in 28 states and the U.S. Congress that aim to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education. As of June 28, 2024, 14 bills had become law, 14 had final legislative approval, and 53 had been tabled, failed, or vetoed.

The legislation typically targets DEI offices or staff, mandatory diversity training, diversity statements in hiring/promotion, and consideration of race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin in admissions/employment.

States with significant activity include Florida, Texas, Ohio, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Some bills have become law in Florida, Texas, North Dakota, and Tennessee. The tracker details each bill's status, sponsors, and provisions, reflecting a growing trend of legislative attempts to restrict DEI programs in U.S. higher education.

Source:

https://www.chronicle.com/article/here-are-the-states-where-lawmakers-are-seeking-to-ban-colleges-dei-efforts?bc_nonce=3v4idgk1wehub7lrxpyk&cid=reg_wall_signup

Current State of DEI in University of North Carolina System and Policy Impacts

On May 23rd, 2024, the UNC Board of Governors, repealed and replaced Section 300.8.5 of UNC Policy Manual:

300.8.5: “Diversity means the ways in which individuals vary, including, but not limited to, backgrounds, beliefs, viewpoints, abilities, cultures, and traditions that distinguish one individual from another.”

While the policy claims to reaffirm commitments to nondiscrimination, equality, institutional neutrality, academic freedom, and student success its implementation requires changes in practices across the University including but not limited to nixing DEI centers, staff, and University efforts that are deemed as political or social advocacy.

Affected institutions:

Appalachian State University

East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina State University
UNC Asheville
UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC Charlotte
UNC Greensboro
UNC Pembroke

UNC School of the Arts
UNC Wilmington
Western Carolina University
Winston-Salem State University
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Bold universities are Historically Black Universities & Colleges, the italicized is a Tribal University & College.

DEI plays a pivotal role in shaping the learning environment, influencing student outcomes, and preparing students for a diverse world. Having DEI in education ensures that every student, regardless of their background, has the tools, resources, and inspiration to reach their full potential. Despite the unknowns and uncertainties on how the UNC’s Board of Governors' appeal of 300.8.5 DEI policy will impact institutions, faculty and students directly, CREED and other organizations, faculty and students across the state are committed to reassuring that our DEI efforts will continue despite any anti-DEI barriers and policies. Below are resources, student rights and a brief one-pager on the UNC’s policy guidance.

Below are resources, student rights, and a brief one-pager on the UNC's policy guidance.