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www.insightintodiversity.com March 2022
$3.99
DEI Comes to
College Sports
Athletic departments are hiring diversity,
equity, and inclusion leaders to support
their students and staff
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Urban planning and public
policy schools tackle
environmental justice
Lawmakers threaten to
eradicate academic tenure
Growing
Diversity
at Rochester Institute of Technology
How the Office of Faculty Diversity and
Recruitment helps diversify faculty ranks
While tending to corn crops in a small plot of land on the “In my mind, it’s not enough to engage you about RIT if
campus of Rochester Institute and Technology, Assistant I’m not providing at least some guidance about how to
D
Professor Eli Borrego is pushing RIT into new territory. apply to RIT and beyond,” said Brown. “Our conversation
is not only about RIT, who we are, what we do, and our
Borrego is an expert in the genetics and biochemistry current faculty and fellowship opportunities. We also talk
of plant-microbe and plant–insect communication and about creating competitive faculty applications.”
ecology. RIT recruited him from Texas A&M University
to help expand into new areas of research related to Since Brown assumed his role in 2019, his office has
genomics and agriculture. But Borrego might not have built a Scholars Network of more than 800 women and
come to RIT without the Future Faculty Career Exploration AALANA faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and MFA and
Program. Ph.D. students from more than 140 universities across
the country. When a faculty opening at RIT is posted, his
The Future Faculty Career Exploration Program helps RIT office engages with search committees to identify AALANA
grow diversity among its faculty ranks. It is a competitive and woman scholars for referral by querying the Scholars
program hosted by RIT’s Office of Faculty Diversity and Network, as well as other resources of diverse scholars
Recruitment. It is designed for African American, Latino offered by organizations such as the Southern Regional
American, and Native American (AALANA) scholars and Education Board and The Ph.D. Project.
artists to learn from and network with RIT administration,
faculty and students over a four day period. More than The Future Faculty Career Exploration Program began in
100 applicants apply each year and 15 to 20 are selected to 2003. Twenty three participants have joined the faculty
present their research, practice interviewing skills and get ranks at RIT.
a glimpse of life as a faculty member at RIT.
The next Future Faculty Career Exploration Program will
Donathan Brown, assistant provost and assistant vice be held September 21-24, 2022. Applications are now being
president for faculty diversity and recruitment in the accepted through March 14, 2022.
Office of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment, says he and
his team work hard to prepare program participants for For more information visit
their next step—whether it is at RIT or elsewhere. www.rit.edu/diversity/ofdr
2021 2021 ®
Top Colleges for Diversity
In this issue March 2022
32
Athletic Departments Bring Diversity and Equity Officers
Aboard to Improve the Culture of College Sports
By Mariah Stewart and Mariah Bohanon
18 Tenure Under Attack SPECIAL REPORT: SCHOOLS OF PUBLIC POLICY
By Mariah Stewart
AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
22 Universities Go Beyond DEI
to Become Anti-Racist Institutions 36 Schools of Public Policy and Public
Administration Diversity and Inclusion News
By Lisa O’Malley By INSIGHT Staff
SPECIAL REPORT: COLLEGE ATHLETICS 38 Higher Education Plays a Key Role in the Diversification
of Think Tanks and Public Policy Research
By Erik Cliburn
26 NCAA Sparks Controversy with New
Transgender Participation Policy
By Mariah Stewart
40 Urban Planning and Public Policy Programs Aim to
Protect Vulnerable Communities from Climate Change
By Lisa O’Malley
28 Universities Implement Initiatives to Advance
Student-Athlete Financial Literacy, Navigate
NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness Policies
By Erik Cliburn 44 University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public
Policy Addresses Social Inequities Through
Increased Dialogue and Student Engagement
By Erik Cliburn
30 DEI-Focused Organizations Offer Unique
Support for Diverse Athletes and Staff
By Mariah Stewart
On the cover: Richard Newton, a junior at the University of Washington (UW) and running back for the UW Huskies football
team. Photo courtesy UW Athletics Above: University of Miami (UM) football coaches, players, and campus security officers on
campus in October 2020. Photo courtesy UM Athletics
insightintodiversity.com 3
Evolving Our
Response to HIV Join us for the Indiana University National HIV
Conference, Stepping Into the 5th Decade-
Evolving Our Response to HIV. The four-day
conference will host 1,000+ participants and
Indiana University features four nationally recognized keynote
speakers, 200 workshops, 100 poster sessions
National HIV Conference within five key tracks with several expanded
areas for dialogue. Most importantly,
June 8-11, 2022 the gathering will provide a platform for
conversation and knowledge sharing about
Indianapolis, Indiana the current state of HIV in this country, how
to reach at-risk populations (especially
college students), prevention resources, and
treatment and care.
Learn more at:
iunhc.indiana.edu
March 2022
Volume 98 No. 6
50 Crestwood Executive Center, Suite 526
St. Louis, Missouri 63126
In Brief 314.200.9955 • 314.756.2036 FAX
info@insightintodiversity.com
editor@insightintodiversity.com
6 Diversity and Inclusion News Roundup
www.insightintodiversity.com
© 2022 Potomac Publishing, Inc.
Contacts:
Lenore Pearlstein | Publisher
New Directions Holly Mendelson | Publisher
Mariah Bohanon | Senior Editor
10 Leaders on the Move Daniel Hecke | Creative Director
Debra Boyd | Director of Operations
Lisa O’Malley | Assistant Editor
Mariah Stewart | Senior Staff Writer
Erik Cliburn | Senior Staff Writer
Editorial Board:
Monthly Observance Linda Akutagawa
Kenneth J. Barrett
LeManuel Bitsóí, EdD
12 Women’s History Month 2022: Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX Venessa A. Brown, PhD
Elissa H. Buxbaum
Lynette Chappell-Williams, JD
Karen A. Clinton Jones, PhD
Deborah Dagit
Sonja Feist-Price, DRh, PhD
Gretchel Hathaway, PhD
Op Ed Erika Henderson, EdD
Lisa McBride, PhD
Nereida Perez
14 Resisting Resistance to Anti-Racism Menah Pratt-Clarke, JD, PhD
Gigi Secuban, EdD
By Kimberly A. Truong, PhD, and Peter S. Cahn, PhD Shirley J. Wilcher, JD
The views expressed in the content of the
Closing INSIGHT articles and advertisements published in
INSIGHT Into Diversity are those of the authors
and are not to be considered the views
50 Oklahoma State University Honors MLK Day Alongside Local Community expressed by Potomac Publishing, Inc.
INSIGHT Into Diversity | Diversity Champions
insightintodiversity.com 5
Brooklyn College Facing Investigation for Treatment
of Jewish Students in Mental Health Graduate Program
The Office for Civil Rights in the privileged and therefore contribute to White racists hating on Jews as being
U.S. Department of Education has the systematic oppression of people people of color, while there will be
opened an investigation into Brooklyn of color.” The anonymous students progressive Americans hating on
College, a member campus of the behind the complaint reported that Jews for being White or even hyper-
City University of New York system, “professors have maligned Jews” on White,” Kenneth Marcus, founder of
for alleged discrimination against the basis of race and ethnic identity the Brandeis Center, told CBS News
Jewish students. in class and lecture materials and in early February.
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for classmates have harassed them during Brooklyn College released
Human Rights Under Law (Brandeis course discussions and on social media. a statement in response to the
Center), a nonprofit organization Brooklyn College did not respond investigation on February 3 denouncing
dedicated to protecting the civil rights quickly or effectively to end the anti-Semitism. While noting that
of Jewish people, filed a complaint alleged harassment, the complaint the college cannot comment on any
with the department in 2021 on states. One student, who identified as ongoing investigations, the statement
behalf of two students enrolled in the Jewish and Hispanic, reported leaving cited multiple diversity and inclusion
graduate mental health counseling their master’s program because of the efforts as evidence of the school’s
program. The complaint states that hostile climate on campus. commitment to supporting its
multiple faculty members and students “Whatever people disdain or hate, multicultural campus community. ●
in the program “advance[ed] the that’s what they project on Jews,
narrative that all Jews are [W ]hite and so there might be, simultaneously,
Brown University Teams with Kenya Researchers
to Fight HIV/Aids through Innovation
Researchers at Brown University HIV/AIDS patients. treatment, according to 2020 United
have launched an innovative project “With this project, we hope to bring Nations data. This treatment is key
in partnership with Moi University the promise of artificial intelligence and to ensuring that those who have the
in Kenya to improve treatment and machine learning to the patient and disease can lead relatively healthy lives
health outcomes for the nearly 1.5 clinic level and evaluate the development and avoid the spread of HIV. Hogan
million people living with HIV/AIDS tools that are going to have a measurable and Mwangi’s project could predict
in that country. impact on patient outcomes,” Hogan when and why patients drop out of
The work will be supported stated in a news release. care if they have high-risk viral levels.
by two grants from the National The predictive modeling system “If the system works as designed,
Institutes of Health (NIH) totaling will alert physicians to deficiencies then we have confidence that we’ll
$4.6 million over five years. Joseph and gaps in patient treatment plans. improve the health outcomes of people
Hogan, a professor of public health This knowledge will help health care with HIV,” Hogan stated.
and biostatistics at Brown, and Ann providers engage in preventative care The grant project is part of the
Mwangi, a professor of biostatistics rather than responding to negative larger Academic Model Providing
at Moi, will lead the project. They outcomes, Hogan said in the release. Access to Healthcare, a consortium of
intend to use a health records Only 75 percent of adults and 63 14 North American universities that
database to develop machine learning percent of children living with HIV/ work alongside Moi to further HIV/
tools that can predict care patterns for AIDS in Kenya receive antiviral AIDS research, care, and training.●
6 March 2022
Dartmouth Expands Need-Blind Admissions Policy
to Include International Students
On January 12, Dartmouth College Going forward, the college plans to for enrollment and dean of admissions
announced it would be transitioning use the same procedures for evaluating and financial aid. “We are living in the
to a need-blind admissions policy for applications from U.S. citizens and most international moment in human
international undergraduate students, residents as it does for international history, and we’re announcing to the
thanks to a $40 million gift from an applicants, according to the release. The world through this new policy that
anonymous donor. The college joins policy will have no bearing on whether international citizens are full and equal
the ranks of Amherst College, the a student is eligible for financial aid or members of our applicant pool and
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the amount that they receive. ultimately of our student body.”
and Harvard, Princeton, and Yale Over the last five years, Dartmouth The universal need-blind policy is
Universities in offering need-blind has seen its pool of international part of the college’s plan to establish
admissions to all students regardless of applicants expand 79 percent. Inter- itself as a global leader in providing
their citizenship. national students also represent 14 educational opportunities for low- and
“In a time when many of humankind’s percent of the school’s current first-year middle-income students. As part of
most difficult challenges know no class, which includes students from 85 this campaign, Dartmouth has also
borders, we are proud to be a magnet countries who are receiving financial aid. eliminated student loans and waived
for undergraduate talent regardless of “The students who are enrolling family contributions for those in certain
citizenship and regardless of a student’s today will have lives and careers that income brackets. In total, the college
ability to pay,” Dartmouth President stretch to the 2070s and beyond,” said awarded more than $102 million in
Philip J. Hanlon said in a news release. Lee Coffin, Dartmouth’s vice provost financial aid last year.●
A M E R I C A N D E N T A L E D U C A T I O N A S S O C I A T I O N
ADEA President’s Symposium on
Men of Color in the Health Professions
March 20, 2022 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, PA
The ADEA President’s Symposium on Men of Color in the Health Professions focuses
primarily on men of color entering dentistry and medicine with the goal of expanding
future conversations to additional health professions. Discussion topics and strategies
for improvement are applicable across health professions education.
Register today for this free event!
adea.org/2022/MOC
ADI_InsightIntoDiversity_JanFeb2022_halfpage.indd 1 12/14/21 11:017
insightintodiversity.com AM
University of Alabama Adds Name of its First Black
Student to Building Originally Named After KKK Leader
The University of Alabama (UA) Foster’s name with Graves due to associated with the Ku Klux Klan, but a
Board of Trustees announced a his position as a former leader of the Grand Cyclops. It’s hard for me to even
controversial change to the name Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The board say those words.”
of a historic building on campus on defended its decision by noting Some took to social media to criticize
February 3. Graves Hall, named after historical arguments that Graves only the board’s decision to combine the
former Alabama Gov. Bibb Graves, maintained his membership with the names of Foster and Graves rather
will now be known as Lucy-Graves KKK for political purposes before than simply removing Graves from
Hall. The change is in honor of leaving the hate group in 1928. the building. The Crimson-White, UA’s
Autherine Lucy Foster, the first Black “On the one hand, Gov. Graves is student-run newspaper, denounced the
student to enroll in UA. regarded by historians as one of, if not renaming in an op-ed titled “Autherine
Foster attended classes for three days the most, progressive and effective Lucy Foster’s Name Does Not Belong
in 1956 before the university suspended governors in the history of the state Beside a Klansman.”
her for alleged concerns over her own of Alabama,” Trustee Emeritus Judge Foster released a statement on
safety after segregationist protesters John England Jr. told the board of February 3 saying she was “grateful
descended on the campus. She went on trustees during a meeting on February to all who think that this naming
to earn a master’s degree in education 4. “Some say he did more to directly opportunity has the potential to
from the university in 1992 and was benefit African American Alabamians motivate and encourage others to
awarded an honorary doctorate in 2019. than any other governor through his embrace the importance of education
While some praised the building’s many reforms.” and to have the courage to commit to
renaming as a step toward promoting “Unfortunately, that same Gov. things that seek to make a difference in
a more inclusive campus, others Graves was associated with the Ku the lives of others.”●
criticized the board for combining Klux Klan,” England said. “Not just
READ: No Study Without Struggle: WATCH: Everything’s Going LISTEN: UnTextbooked: When
Confronting Settler Colonialism in to Be All White will Asian Americans stop being
Higher Education This three-part documentary series seen as “perpetual foreigners”?
Through an examination of campus social explores the history of race in the In this episode of the UnTextbooked
justice movements, Leigh Patel reveals U.S. through insights from notable podcast — which features teenagers
how the after-effects of settler colonialism historians, scholars, and activists of interviewing noted historians —
have resulted in a higher education system color — including Ibram X. Kendi, scholar Erika Lee, author of The
that prioritizes White culture and history Favianna Rodriguez, and Margaret Making of Asian America: A History,
over that of Black, Indigenous, and other Cho. The interviewees used examples explains why stereotypes about
oppressed communities. Using interviews such as Indigenous people’s fight for Asian Americans have persisted for
with activists and organizers from groups land and the racial disparities in the hundreds of years in U.S. culture.
like Black Lives Matter, the Student enforcement of gun laws to show Using the recent rise in anti-Asian
Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, how laws and other systems including hate as an example, Lee deconstructs
and the Combahee River Collective, Patel housing, education, and health care how White Americans have
shows how student protests have been an have been designed to benefit White traditionally held Asian Americans to
important force in influencing institutions people. They also discussed their conflicting standards as both “model
to recognize and challenge settler personal experiences with racism. minorities” and perpetual foreigners.
colonialist attitudes and the race, class, Streaming on Showtime Available on all major podcast apps
and gender inequalities that they help to
perpetuate. Published by Beacon Press
8 March 2022
DISCOVER
YOUR
IMPACT
DISCOVER
YOUR
Public administration -- in many ways, it is the art
and practice of making things work.
IMPAC
The Martin School makes its goals clear:
“Both historical and current policies may create or
The delivery of basic services to people who perpetuate inequity through institutional and
depend on them … the extension of health care structural racism, income inequality, gender bias, and
to those who cannot afford it … the creation and more,” the school’s diversity statement says. “The
implementation of more efficient and effective
Martin School can help our students and alumni
programs and initiatives – in public, private and
Public administration --confront inequity
in many ways, as art
it is the we train them School
The Martin in their coursework
makes its goals clear:
non-profit sectors.
and as we support them in their careers.”
and practice of making things work.
“Both historical and current policies may create o
The delivery of basic services to people who perpetuate inequity through institutional and
At the University of Kentucky, the Martin School
depend of … the extension of health care
on them
It’s itan
… understanding that the art and practice of
structural racism, income inequality, gender bias
Public Policy and Administration is consistently ranked
to those who cannot afford
implementation of moremaking
the creation and more,” the school’s diversity statement says. “Th
things
efficient and work
effective only happens
Martin Schoolwhen the
can help ourdoor is and alumni
students
among the best in the country for graduate programs.
programs and initiatives – in public, private and
non-profit sectors. open wide for everyone confrontto participate and benefit.
inequity as we train them in their course
and as we support them in their careers.”
But now the school is expanding its At
reach.
the University of Kentucky, the Martin School of
It’s an understanding that the art and practice
It’s the
Public Policy and Administration same commitment
is consistently ranked that things
making existswork
throughout
only happens when the do
among the best in the country for graduate programs.
the University of Kentucky open– an INSIGHT
wide Intoto participate and ben
for everyone
It’s added an undergraduate degreeBut in now
public
Diversity Champion for four
the school is expanding its reach.
years
It’s the same running.
commitment that exists througho
policy. And it is thoughtfully working to ensure that the University of Kentucky – an Insight into
It’s added an undergraduate degree in public
studies and careers are open to people from
policy. And more
it is thoughtfully working to ensure that
Diversity Champion for four years running.
diverse and often underrepresenteddiverse
backgrounds.
studies and careers are open to people from more
and often underrepresented backgrounds.
uky.edu An Equal Opportunity University
2021 ®
2021
Top Colleges for Diversity
uky.edu An Equal Opportunity University
CALIFORNIA MARYLAND Nancy S. Kaplan, EdD, has been
Emelyn A. dela Peña, EdD, has Jermaine selected as chair of the Big East
been selected as vice president Williams, EdD, Conference’s working group on
for diversity, equity, and inclusion has been selected diversity, equity, and inclusion.
at Loyola Marymount University in as president of Kaplan will continue to serve as
Los Angeles. Dela Peña previously Montgomery the associate provost for academic
served as associate vice provost for College. Williams support services and external
inclusion, community, and integrative previously served academic partnerships at St. John’s
learning at Stanford University. as president of Nassau Community University in New York City.
College in Garden City, New York.
CONNECTICUT NORTH CAROLINA
Elizabeth Conklin, JD, has been MASSACHUSETTS Robin Coger, PhD, has been
appointed Title IX coordinator at Yale Nancy Niemi, PhD, has been appointed provost and senior vice
University in New Haven. Conklin will selected as president of chancellor for academic affairs and
continue to serve as associate vice Framingham State University. Niemi a professor of engineering at East
president for equity, accessibility, previously served as provost and Carolina University in Greenville.
and belonging at the university. vice president of academic affairs Coger was dean of the College of
at the University of Maryland Engineering and a professor of
FLORIDA Eastern Shore in Princess Anne. mechanical engineering at North
Youndy Cook, JD, has been named Carolina A&T State University in
vice president and general counsel Nefertiti Walker, Greensboro.
at University of Central Florida in PhD, has been
Orlando. Cook previously served appointed PENNSYLVANIA
as associate vice president and presidential M. Elizabeth Magill, JD, has
senior deputy general counsel at advisor for equity been selected as president of
the university. and inclusion at the University of Pennsylvania in
the University of Philadelphia. Magill previously served
GEORGIA Massachusetts (UMass) system in as the executive vice president and
Danielle Buehrer, EdD, has Amherst. Walker will continue to provost of the University of Virginia
been appointed vice provost of serve in her current role as vice in Charlottesville.
institutional effectiveness of Mercer chancellor for diversity, equity, and
University in Macon. Buehrer was inclusion at UMass Amherst. RHODE ISLAND
executive director of institutional Crystal Williams is the first Black
quality and accreditation at MISSOURI person to be appointed president of
Kennesaw State University. Katricia Pierson, PhD, has been the Rhode Island School of Design
appointed president of Crowder in Providence. Williams was vice
KENTUCKY College in Neosho. Pierson was president and associate provost for
Rosemary Allen, PhD, president of East Central University community and inclusion at Boston
is the first woman to in Ada, Oklahoma. University in Massachusetts.
be named president of
Georgetown College. NEW YORK WISCONSIN
Allen was provost/dean Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, PhD, will Louis Macias, EdD,
of the college and a serve as the inaugural director will serve as the
professor of English. of the Center for Social Justice inaugural associate
and chief diversity officer at dean for diversity,
OHIO Excelsior College in Albany. Pascoe equity, and inclusion
Ivy Banks, JD, has been appointed Aguilar was associate provost for at the University
vice president for institutional Immersive Learning and Career of Wisconsin-
diversity and inclusion at Xavier Design at Drew University in Madison’s College of Agricultural
University of Cincinnati. Banks was Madison, New Jersey. and Life Sciences. Macias was the
associate vice provost for diversity executive director of recruitment,
and inclusion at the University of diversity, and inclusion at the
Arizona in Tucson. university’s police department.
Has your campus recently hired a new administrator? INSIGHT Into Diversity would like to publish your news.
Please email editor@insightintodiversity.com.
10 March 2022Enhancing Institutional
Excellence by Elevating
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion,
and Belonging.
Dean Eboni S. Nelson
law.uconn.eduWomen’s History Month 2022:
Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972, a landmark piece of legislation for gender equity.
“Title IX is probably the most important law passed for women and girls in Congress since women
obtained the right to vote in 1920,” explains Bernice Sandler, a staunch women’s rights activist known
as the “Godmother of Title IX” for her role in creating the legislation.
The law ensures that all education programs and activities receiving federal funding must protect
students and employees from sex-based discrimination and bans many aspects of gender inequality
that had previously been tolerated or overlooked in education. Despite consistent attempts through
legislation, executive actions, and lawsuits to diminish its effectiveness, Title IX continues to provide
these protections today.
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2022, INSIGHT honors the advocates who have led
Title IX’s evolution over the last five decades and the continued fight for equal education for all.
February 1984
In a blow to Title IX protections, the
June 1972 Supreme Court declares that the statute
Congress passes Title IX. Rep. Patsy only applies to programs specifically
Mink (D-HI), the first Asian American receiving federal funding, rather
woman to serve in Congress and the than across an entire institution. The
first woman of color to be elected to decision supports Grove City College, a
the House of Representatives, is its lead religious institution that did not accept
author and sponsor. government financial support, in its
assertion that it was not required to
comply with Title IX even though its
students received federal grants.
May 1979 September 1980
The Supreme Court rules in favor of Women students at Yale University
Geraldine Cannon, a woman who was file Alexander v. Yale, the first case to March 1988
denied admission to the University allege that sexual harassment constitutes Congress passes the Civil Rights
of Chicago, in the case of Cannon v. gender discrimination and is therefore Restoration Act of 1987, commonly
University of Chicago. The decision illegal under Title IX. The university referred to as the Grove City Bill,
grants individuals the right to sue establishes a grievance procedure for effectively reversing the high court’s 1984
educational institutions for Title IX students who allege harassment, leading ruling. Substantial support in the House
violations. many other higher education institutions and the Senate overrides President Ronald
to do the same. Reagan’s attempted veto of the bill.
December 1979
The U.S. Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare introduces a February 1992
three-pronged test for determining an The Supreme Court rules that Title IX
athletic program’s compliance with Title complainants can seek monetary damages
IX. It assesses participation, benefits and in the case of Franklin v. Gwinnett County
treatment, and financial assistance for Public Schools. Previously, victims of gender
athletes of different genders. discrimination could only seek injunctive
relief from the courts.
12 March 2022October 1994 April 2015 April 2021
Congress passes the Equity in Athletics The department releases a follow- A group of current and former LGBTQ
Disclosure Act, which requires colleges up letter with additional guidelines students at Christian colleges and universities
and universities to submit annual reports for Title IX investigators. The file a lawsuit arguing that religious
on opportunities and resources allocated new policies require institutions exemptions to Title IX are unconstitutional.
to women and men students. The reports to use preponderance of evidence, The plaintiffs claim that the Education
must include gender-specific data on or the lowest standard of proof, to Department has an obligation to protect
enrollment and participation, operating determine whether a person accused students from forced conversion therapy,
expenses for athletics programs, coaching of sexual assault is guilty. bans on LGBTQ housing, and other
salaries, and more. discriminatory campus policies.
March 1997
The U.S. Department of Education’s May 2016
Office for Civil Rights issues guidance The Education Department and the U.S.
on sexual harassment by students and Department of Justice under Barack Obama
employees, requiring institutions to be issues a Dear Colleague letter affirming Title
held more accountable for preventing IX protections for transgender students. Its
and punishing such behavior. guidelines include allowing students to use
bathrooms and locker rooms that align with
their gender identity.
October 2002
Title IX is renamed the “Patsy T. Mink
Equal Opportunity in Education Act” to
honor Mink after her death. February 2017 June 2021
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos The Education Department under
repeals the Obama administration’s President Joe Biden issues a federal
March 2005 2016 guidance on the treatment of notice reaffirming that Title IX protects
The Education Department under transgender students shortly after transgender and nonbinary students
President George W. Bush declares taking office. from discrimination. The announcement
that educational institutions can use comes in the wake of 31 states taking
email surveys to determine students’ action to ban transgender athletes from
interests in sports by gender and provide September 2017 participating in school sports programs
athletic programs based on responses. The Education Department under that correspond with their gender.
The decision is criticized for making it President Donald Trump rescinds the
easier for schools to deny funding and Obama administration’s guidance on
opportunities for women’s sports. campus sexual misconduct. December 2021
The department announces plans to
release proposed changes to Title IX
April 2010 May 2020 regulations for handling allegations of
The Department of Education under The Education Department releases sexual misconduct in April 2022.
President Barack Obama reverses the new regulations for handling incidents
aforementioned Bush-era policy. of sexual harassment and assault after
a contentious review process. The
controversial rules face fierce criticism
from women’s rights advocates for
lessening institutional responsibility and
survivors’ rights.
April 2011
The Obama administration issues a
Dear Colleague letter urging colleges
and universities to be more proactive
in fighting campus sexual assault.
insightintodiversity.com 13The MGH Institute of Health Professions, located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. 14 March 2022
Resisting Resistance to Anti-Racism
By Kimberly A. Truong, PhD, and Peter S. Cahn, PhD
We work at the intersection of while some resistance to anti-racism racism puts into question the false
two industries central to the national initiatives is inevitable, higher notion of meritocracy. Psychological
conversation on structural racism: education leaders can anticipate studies have demonstrated that when
higher education and health care. Both negative reactions and incorporate White respondents are primed with
are reckoning with historical legacies strategies to minimize their effects. information about demographic gains
of exclusion at odds with their stated of racial minoritized groups, they
missions to improve society. Both have Forms of Resistance are less likely to support diversity
collected evidence that their institutions We know that introducing initiatives. This zero-sum mentality
produce disparate outcomes based on conversations about race and racism treats gains for one group as necessarily
race and are sites where people of color into academic settings can make depriving another group of benefits.
experience racism. White students uncomfortable. Recently, conservative politicians have
At MGH Institute of Health They may personalize learning about leveraged the concept of reverse racism
Professions (the MGH Institute), we Whiteness as destabilizing their to oppose any educational activity based
have recognized the importance of self-image, rather than seeing flaws on critical race theory. Legislation in
identifying patterns of racism within
the institution, naming them, and
recommending policies and practices
to mitigate them. Our commitment
is evidenced by a required orientation Higher education leaders should anticipate
activity to ground our community in a having ongoing conversations about justice
common vocabulary about what racism
is and how it plays out in students’ and and equity issues with members of their
patients’ daily lives. In addition, search community. One workshop or broadcast email
committees for faculty positions must
include a trained equity advocate whose
will not be sufficient to secure wide buy-in.
role in the process is to disrupt bias and
recruit the widest possible candidate
pool. Furthermore, self-identified in the system. Before publishing her several states forbids teaching that
faculty of color receive reduced teaching mass market book White Fragility, structural racism is embedded in
assignments in recognition of the Robin DiAngelo and a colleague wrote U.S. history. Supporters of these bans
invisible labor they engage in through about the challenge of teaching race consider teaching about racism divisive
mentoring and service. to White undergraduates. They point because it supposedly denigrates one
We recognize that even anodyne out that White students may perceive race in favor of another.
efforts to promote diversity and the discussion of racism as an “attack”
inclusion in higher education can and people of color with grievances as Anticipating Pushback
produce opposition from members perpetrators of violence. This defensive At the MGH Institute, rather than
of the dominant group. When posture reinforces the status quo. avoiding conflict when we anticipate
higher education institutions Other educators have documented that pushback, we account for this resistance
attempt structural reforms to level even when White students support and build it into the conversation.
the playing field for those who are the goals of diversity, they object to The notion of a “safe space” might
marginalized and minoritized in our frequent classroom conversations sound supportive of negotiating
society, resistance grows. Too often, about racism. In all cases, the end different points of view, but it is clear
a realignment of resources can be result is to perpetuate the centering of that, when it comes to talking about
construed as a loss for people who White students’ perspectives. racism, one person’s safety can mean
previously enjoyed a monopoly on Resistance also appears in critiques silencing others. Consequently, we
advantage. We have learned that of “reverse racism” as learning about have moved away from the concept of
insightintodiversity.com 15EXPECT MORE “safe spaces” in favor of “brave spaces” conversations about justice and
SUCCESS to model the importance of engaging
in conversations about social justice
no matter how uncomfortable they
equity issues with members of
their community. One workshop
or broadcast email will not be
are. This modeling begins with the sufficient to secure wide buy-in. We
development of a common vocabulary. think of anti-racism work as akin to
At the start of every semester since information technology. Universities
2018, we have welcomed newly don’t assume that constituents will
matriculated students to the MGH need help only in setting up their
Institute with a program titled computers and then never again. They
“Power, Privilege, and Positionality” also do not make concessions for
to define key anti-racist concepts. people who refuse to use technology.
The readings, speakers, and reflection Similarly, a commitment to anti-
sessions emphasize that racism exists racism requires continual support and
on multiple levels and that in higher guidance from experts.
education we will focus on how we For leaders who may wish to
can dismantle structural inequities. explore how to engage in race
Clarifying that racism is not merely conversations and promote equity
about individual prejudice helps practices on their campuses, we offer
minimize charges that any benefit the following suggestions, many of
offered to people of color constitutes which are free or low-cost:
reverse racism.
Another way to anticipate • Join a consortium or professional
resistance is to align initiatives with association that has working
the MGH Institute’s mission. When groups or guidance on this topic,
• Top 25 legal writing program it comes to justice, equity, diversity, such as the National Association
and inclusion ( JEDI) issues, we of Diversity Officers in Higher
• Top 40 part-time evening emphasize how they are valuable Education. The Racial Equity and
program not simply for their own sake, but Justice Institute is a consortium
because they will enable students to in Massachusetts that connects
• Six concurrent programs
become more effective health care colleges to provide technical
• Only concurrent JD/Master professionals. For example, workshop support and coordinate efforts.
of Public Service in the U.S. facilitators devote time to asking This consortium will soon expand
participants how the particular to the national level.
• Extensive experiential topic will help them achieve their
learning opportunities professional goals. When a group of • Form groups on your campus
• Student Success and faculty of color raised the possibility to disaggregate and analyze
of reducing teaching assignments to institutional data for the disparate
Bar Success programs
account for the uncredited work they impact of policies. Use the book
• Tuition and fees under do, we sought approval by appealing From Equity Talk to Equity Walk
$17,000/year to the strategic priority to grow to guide your conversations.
faculty research. A literature review
showed that faculty of color tend • Create affinity and caucus groups
Access to Justice to take on the burden of advising
students of color and serving on
for faculty, staff, and students of
color. Use their perspectives to
Public Service committees to the detriment of their identify areas of inequity to redress.
scholarship. Senior leaders signed on
Professionalism to the proposal when they saw how • Involve everyone, including White
it could advance the larger goal of members of the community.
increasing scholarly publications. While marginalized and
minoritized populations should
WILLIAM H. BOWEN
SCHOOL OF LAW Ongoing Response receive targeted support, White-
ualr.edu/law Higher education leaders should identifying people can also benefit
anticipate having ongoing from explicit conversations
16 March 2022about Whiteness, engagement in and minoritized communities may Kimberly A. Truong, PhD, is chief
justice and equity education, and be halted so that the status quo is equity officer at MGH Institute of
participation in implementing maintained, and White people can Health Professions and an adjunct
equitable policies and practices. continue to feel comfortable. At our lecturer at the Harvard Graduate
All members of the community institution, we have made it clear that School of Education. She also partners
must play an active role and take we lead with justice and equity. We with organizations interested in
ownership of equity efforts. use our limited resources to provide engaging in JEDI work as part of
ongoing support to the community XEM Consulting Services LLC.
• Go beyond climate surveys to members most impacted by the
develop and support an equity plan. pernicious effects of structural racism. Peter S. Cahn, PhD, is Associate Provost
A plan with dedicated resources At the same time, we focus on capacity for Academic Affairs and Professor of
signals seriousness of purpose and building so that there is collective Health Professions Education at MGH
provides accountability. ownership of JEDI initiatives across the Institute of Health Professions. MGH
organization. We have learned from our Institute of Health Professions is a
Conclusion affiliated health care institutions that 2017-2021 Health Professions Higher
Sometimes when higher education when lives are at stake, the care team Education Excellence in Diversity
leaders anticipate resistance to an must work together to hear opposing (HEED) Award recipient.
anti-racism initiative, they either points of view and then adopt a single
water down the project or implement course of action. Higher education may
it without broaching a difficult not operate under the same urgency, but
conversation. As a result, initiatives that advancing equity is no less crucial for
are focused on supporting marginalized fulfilling its mission.●
Make a difference
in your community.
Earn your degree in social science or public
affairs and prepare for careers including:
• Public service • Nonprofits
• Politics and government affairs • Public policy
• Communications • Law
Study online, in person, or a blend
of both at affordable SUNY tuition.
Learn more at www.esc.edu/insight2
insightintodiversity.com 1718 March 2022
Tenure Under Attack
As conservative lawmakers across the U.S.
fight for anti-tenure legislation, faculty worry
about the future of academic expression.
By Mariah Stewart
In recent months, concerns tenure, the University System of Georgia become targets for these legislators. In
over academic expression have led (USG) Board of Regents unanimously 2021, Iowa Republican Rep. Steven
conservative lawmakers and state approved a policy in October that Holt used Chloe Clark, a professor at
officials to propose policies that would permits the termination of tenured the University of Iowa, as an example
decrease the already dwindling number professors without faculty oversight. in his campaign to eliminate tenure.
of U.S. academics who receive tenure. The controversial policy is the first-of- Clark had instructed students in a
Many of these proposed changes stem its-kind to be implemented in the U.S. course syllabus to not argue against
from right-wing policymakers who The American Federation of Teachers “basic human rights” on topics such as
have expressed opposition to professors (AFT) condemned the move, calling abortion, gay marriage, or Black Lives
who teach about race, social justice, and it an “attack” and saying the board of Matter. After a public outcry about the
other diversity-related topics. regents “deliberately unhinged due directive, Clark apologized and revised
Most recently, nearly two dozen process from post-tenure review and her syllabus.
Republican state lawmakers in South placed academic freedom in grave peril.” Although Clark is not tenured, Holt
Carolina filed a bill in November titled The USG Board of Regents declined declared that she and other academics
the “Cancelling Professor Tenure Act” to comment for this story, citing a use the protection of tenure to violate
that would prohibit public colleges previously released statement on its students’ right to free speech when
and universities from granting tenure decision. In October, a spokesperson he pushed for a bill that would have
to employees hired after December for the board announced that “[t]he eradicated the practice at Iowa’s public
31, 2022. If passed, the bill would only goal of the changes they recommended colleges and universities.
allow for higher education institutions is to support career development for all Despite these claims, most academics
to grant five-year employment contracts faculty as well as ensure accountability do not have the security of tenure.
and mandate that current tenured and continued strong performance Only one in five professors earns
faculty teach additional courses during from faculty members after they have this status, according to AAUP. Such
the spring and fall terms. achieved tenure.” positions have been on the decline for
The American Association of Augusta University, the Georgia decades as colleges rely more heavily
University Professors (AAUP) has Institute of Technology, and the on cost-effective instructors and
denounced such legislation, saying University of Georgia also declined to graduate assistants to teach courses.
the longstanding practice of tenure is comment for this story. Georgia Southern Underrepresented professors are even
essential to higher education because University and the Georgia College less likely to be granted tenure and are
it serves as a safeguard for academic and State University did not respond to often assumed to specialize in the very
freedom. The practice allows faculty INSIGHT’s requests for comment. subjects — race, class, and gender.—
who specialize in controversial topics South Carolina and USG are, that face the greatest opposition
such as critical race theory, gender however, far from alone. Republican from conservative policymakers. This
studies, and political science to conduct lawmakers in Iowa, Missouri, and assumption leads to underrepresented
research and educate students without Wisconsin have unsuccessfully academics being put under even more
the fear of retaliation from people or proposed laws to eliminate academic of a microscope than their White
entities with opposing political agendas. tenure, claiming that the practice colleagues, says James Thomas,
In one of the most notorious examples does not protect students’ free speech. PhD, a tenured associate professor
of the new movement against academic Individual faculty members have of sociology at the University of
insightintodiversity.com 19Schools that enact anti-tenure policies
or weaken guidelines will experience
an exodus of faculty. They will
also have difficulty hiring qualified
educators, because job candidates
will avoid schools that evaluate
performance based on personal
politics rather than scholarly expertise.
Mississippi (U of M) who teaches on In addition to pushing for U of M to
race, ethnicity, and social stratification. revoke his tenure status, White has Demographics of Professors
Thomas became the subject of called for an investigation into Thomas Who Receive Tenure by Race,
Ethnicity, and Gender (Fall 2018):
public scrutiny in 2018 for a tweet that and a $2,000 fine. The Mississippi
encouraged interrupting lawmakers Center for Justice, a nonprofit law firm, White Men: 41%
while they were dining in public to has filed an anti-defamation lawsuit White Women: 30.2%
protest Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination against White on Thomas’ behalf. Asian Men: 6.7%
to the Supreme Court. The post was Thomas says schools that enact anti- Asian Women:4 %
condemned by public officials, tenure policies or weaken Black Men: 2.6%
including Republican Gov. guidelines will experience Black Women: 2.8%
Phil Bryant, with some calling an exodus of faculty. They Hispanic Men: 2.7%
for Thomas’ termination. will also have difficulty Hispanic Women: 2.4%
Despite the criticism, U hiring qualified educators, Non-resident Men: 2.2%
Non-resident Women: 1.3%
of M nominated Thomas because job candidates will
Two or More Races: 0.9%
for tenure in 2019, and the avoid schools that evaluate
Native American Men: 0.2%
board of trustees stated that performance based on Native American Women: 0.2%
James
the university’s support of Thomas personal politics rather than Pacific Islander Men: 0.1%
academic freedom was a factor scholarly expertise, he warns. Pacific Islander Women: 0.1%
in its decision to approve the “There’s a direct link to Unknown: 2.7%
controversial nomination. strong tenure systems and the quality of
The Mississippi Institution of higher education,” Thomas says. “When NOTE: Does not total 100% due to rounding
Higher Learning (IHL) issued a you see the erosion of tenure and the SOURCE: American Association of University
statement saying that Thomas’ tenure protections around academic freedom, Professors, Data Snapshot: IPEDS Data on
Full-time Women Faculty and Faculty of
was granted “with dissent,” a move increasingly what that’s going to mean Color, December 2020
unprecedented in the state’s history. is people are going to feel less confident
“They wanted people to know that it about teaching certain things in the
was contentious, and that some people classroom for fear of repercussions.”
felt that I shouldn’t get it,” he explains. To better assist and retain senior explains. “We need to educate the
In 2020, Thomas’ tenure status again faculty members in this time of public about the importance of shared
came under attack when Republican uncertainty, Thomas says institutions governance and the importance of
State Auditor Shad White accused him should be outspoken in their support academic freedom.”●
of violating the state’s no-strike law for the tenure system and raise
for participating in #ScholarStrike, a awareness of why the system exists. Mariah Stewart is a senior staff writer
national demonstration by educators “[Eradicating tenure] is in violation for INSIGHT Into Diversity.
and students against racial violence. of all of our core principles,” he
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill[ Universities Go Beyond DEI
]
to Become Anti-racist Institutions
By Lisa O’Malley
22 March 2022In the groundbreaking 2019 book How to Be An Antiracist, activist
and scholar Ibram X. Kendi explains that it is not enough for a
person or institution to simply proclaim themselves not racist;
rather, fighting racial inequality requires a proactive form of
advocacy known as anti-racism. To Kendi, there is no in-between:
one is either racist or anti-racist.
In the spring and summer of 2020, free speech and hate speech and staff of color.
amid the rise of the Black Lives Matter helping students of color avoid “racial While Caldwell is excited about the
movement, many activists pushed for battle fatigue” by engaging in self-care. progress made so far, she notes that
companies and organizations to adopt Meanwhile, all SIU faculty and staff are the system “hasn’t arrived yet” and that
Kendi’s message as an imperative. required to complete anti-racist training undertaking any anti-racist efforts
As colleges and universities across that involves case studies, simulations, should be looked at as a continuous
the U.S. issued statements affirming and more. journey rather than an attempt to
their commitment to diversity, equity, Ensuring that the campus community reach a destination. Despite the
and inclusion (DEI), some higher has this level of awareness is challenges and commitment necessary,
education institutions took the almost fundamental for moving the system’s she says higher education institutions
unprecedented step of pledging larger anti-racist mission forward, must realize their responsibility in
themselves to the cause of anti-racism. according to Caldwell. “These taking on this work.
These pledges took many forms, from
implementing new policies and programs
to revising institutional missions.
For the Southern Illinois University “It’s not enough to just be opposed to racism. We need
(SIU) system, taking on this work to announce publicly, which we are doing today, that as a
meant going beyond making DEI university system, we are anti-racist, and we are actively
changes to undertake the broader working towards developing and maintaining policies,
goal of “dismantling institutional behaviors, and systems that enhance racial equity and
racism and raising a new level of promote positive and sustainable change for faculty, staff
understanding through training and and students on our SIU campuses.”
accountability,” stated Daniel Mahony,
SIU president, in an October 2021 Daniel Mahony, president of Southern Illinois University,
speech that officially declared the in an October 2021 address
system an anti-racist organization.
The SIU Board of Trustees had
approved a values statement affirming
their commitment to anti-racism in strategies cannot be implemented “Higher education is meant to be one
December 2020, and in April 2021 without people,” she says. “I think of the greatest equalizers in society,” she
hired Sheila Caldwell, EdD, to serve as relationships are the primary pathway says. “I think if we’re going to live up
the system’s inaugural Vice President to communicate these tactics to make to that reputation, we have to dissect
for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and sure that we’re all on the same page.” who we are and where we are, and then
Inclusion (ADEI) and Chief Diversity SIU is also administering its first make the necessary changes to advance
Officer (CDO). system-wide climate survey, rather and move forward.”
Caldwell, working with SIU system than offering individual campus One challenge that many colleges
leaders, provided goals and procedures surveys. By doing so, Caldwell says, face when engaging in DEI and anti-
for a strategic plan that includes administrators will be able to examine racism work is obtaining buy-in from
educating students, faculty, and staff the data and find patterns that can be all campus community members —
on the principles and practices of used to move the system forward as even those who may not personally
anti-racism. Starting in fall 2022, one. In addition, an audit of all current see the value in such initiatives.
students can enroll in ADEI certificate policies is underway to determine For Tufts University, setting clear
programs that address issues such as what types of challenges are hindering expectations was key to overcoming
understanding the difference between opportunities for students, faculty, and this barrier.
insightintodiversity.com 23Students who earn the Southern Illinois University Leading for Antiracism,
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate will be able to:
• Articulate their cultural identity
• Experience meaningful engagement with members of the global majority
• Understand the role of race, racism, and culture in shaping lived experiences
• Understand the impact of injustice in meaningful life activities (economics, law,
media, education, and health care)
• Understand the historical and present-day realities of inequities in America
• Understand the role of inclusive excellence in organizational structures
• Communicate effectively cross-culturally
• Learn how to be effective leaders, allies, and advocates
“Simply by choosing to be a figures were White, 98 percent were being and safety for people of color on
member of [the Tufts] community, of men, and all were created by and around campus, university leaders
the expectation is that you will play men. To bridge these gaps, Tufts is are working to enact recommendations
an active and engaged role in [anti- working to launch an exhibition series that include increasing the use of non-
racist] work,” says Rob Mack, EdD, featuring images and objects from its sworn personnel and mental health
associate provost and chief diversity archives that convey the experience of professionals for situations that do not
officer. “What this looks like for all of underrepresented campus members. require police officers.
us is a commitment to learning and Tufts also took a hard look at its Tufts is still working to determine
deepening our understanding.” campus safety and policing standards timelines and obtain resources to fulfill
The “Tufts as an Anti-Racist and found there were concerns about more recommendations identified
Institution” initiative, launched in bias as well as a “lack of transparency in its audit. The goal right now is to
July 2020, involved more than 100 in policies, procedures, training “reimagine and reshape internal modes
students, faculty, and staff reviewing programs, budgets, staffing, and other of operation that wield race-based
policies and offering suggestions on key operational data.” To improve well- harm,” says Mack, and eventually assist
how to eliminate racism on campus. In campus members in getting to a place
total, the university received more than where they can “recognize, name, and
180 recommendations on how to make then effectively respond to racism as it
the campus more inclusive for people “Art has been shown to arises and presents itself.”
of color. Many of the proposals were be a real declaration of “We will never rid the community
concerned with increasing diversity institutional values and of racism,” he explains, “but we can
and providing equitable access to a meaningful way to learn how to disrupt it, dislodge it, and
resources and support, but the audit understand and express divorce ourselves from its snares over
also raised concerns about less ourselves and our history and over again.”●
apparent forms of racism, such as the as a dynamic entity and
lack of diversity in campus art. should be reflective of our Lisa O’Malley is the assistant editor for
After reviewing 196 public artworks, community today.” INSIGHT Into Diversity.
Tufts discovered that 100 percent of
the portraits of historic university “Tufts as an Anti-Racist Institution:
Executive Summary”
24 March 2022You can also read
