Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education: "All Progress is Precarious"

Despite such benefits and positive outcomes of DEI, there is an active effort to discredit and dismantle the progress made by DEI informed practices. Such efforts have led to the introduction of 85 bills across 28 states, as tracked by the chronicle of higher education, that seek to eliminate DEI offices and DEI training among other DEI related and informed efforts. Such anti-DEI efforts have a direct impact on the states in which legislation has been proposed or passed and a chilling effect on other states where there might be concern of what is to come.

Though such efforts present a challenge, scholars and practitioners across the country are committed to the advancement of DEI because of the known benefits to the broader human condition. To this end, this panel is for all within higher education from current graduate students to senior faculty administrators and offers an opportunity to reflect on the critical role each of us play in ensuring that our institutions continue to offer access to and within higher education, ensure that systems and structures reflect the needs of all, and that all receive critical resources and support to ensure equitable outcomes. This event is hosted by the Marsal Family School of Education, Center for Educational Outreach, and National Center for Institutional Diversity, and co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Panelists will discuss the current climate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within higher education and the challenges that scholars and practitioners face in employing the practices and principles of DEI, including:

• How did we get to this point?
• How does the current climate shape strategies moving forward?
• Where do we go from here?

The discussion will be moderated by Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean of the Marsal School of Education. 

Panelists

Demetri Morgan
Assistant Professor of Education, University of Michigan

Mitchell Chang
Interim VP of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Professor of Education and Asian American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles

Liliana Garces
Ken McIntyre Professor for Excellence in School Leadership,
University of Texas at Austin

• diversity equity inclusion
• Marsal Family School of Education
• higher education