As the conservative movement gains momentum in targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs nationwide, institutions of higher education across the country face the risk of closures and restrictions.
The wave of opposition may affect universities in the District of Columbia, including Howard University, Georgetown University, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and American University.
The University of Florida recently made headlines when it eliminated all DEI positions and closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer due to new state regulations imposed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Similarly, Tennessee State University (TSU), the only public historically Black college and university in the state, faces an uncertain future after its board was dissolved—a move supported by conservative lawmakers but denounced by educators as an attack on DEI and a setback for higher education.
Despite these challenges, some universities have tried to forge ahead with their commitment to DEI. Michigan Technological University (MTU) and UDC recently signed a memorandum of understanding focused on DEI values. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration through student exchanges, faculty collaborations, and joint funding proposals.
“We honor the academic strength and value UDC and other HBCUs bring, not only to Michigan Tech but to global research and the global economy,” said Wayne Gersie, vice president for diversity and inclusion at MTU.
In the District, universities have implemented various DEI programs to support their diverse student populations. Howard University offers the Strategic Diversity Equity and Inclusion Executive Certificate Program at the School of Business, preparing leaders to implement high-impact DEI and cultural transformation initiatives.
Georgetown University has the Office of Student Equity and Inclusion (OSEI), which leads efforts to connect academic and social support for first-generation students and students of color.
“Addressing diversity and inclusion within congressional staffing is not just about representation,” LaShonda Brenson, senior researcher at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, stated in a release that emphasized the importance of diverse representation in congressional staffing. “It’s about dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate economic inequality at large.”
UDC provides cultural responsiveness mentorship and collaborates with institutions like MTU to promote DEI values. Meanwhile, American University hosts programs like Underrepresented Students in STEM (USS) and Women in Science (WIS), offering support, mentorship, and opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Organizations like the Black Innovation Alliance (BIA) are at the forefront of advocating for the protection of DEI programs.
“You cannot innovate without sustainable equity,” Dr. Kelly Burton, CEO of BIA, said in a release. The BIA has called on the Biden-Harris Administration to enforce Executive Order 13985 to safeguard DEI programs in educational institutions nationwide.
As legislative trends continue to emerge, with multiple states introducing bills to restrict DEI programs, the future of the initiatives remains uncertain. For instance, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin recently banned teaching “inherently divisive concepts” in public schools, while Ohio officials are considering a bill to abolish diversity training requirements at public colleges.