For months now, colleges and universities across the country have been quietly — and sometimes abruptly — dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion infrastructure as a result of mounting state and federal policies and actions. Scholarships connected to race or ethnicity are being eliminated. DEI offices are being renamed or shut down. Boards are pressuring campuses to remove racial equity policies. Student support programs designed for marginalized students are being scaled back or cut altogether.
Experts emphasize that colleges are, at times, overcomplying with these new restrictions. Others worry about the impact on students and college communities. What is the general flow of state legislation that targets DEI? What strategies can reporters use to track and understand federal measures that restrict DEI? How are higher education officials responding? Who should reporters talk to about the purpose of DEI and its impact on schools and students?
Join the Education Writers Association’s webinar on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. Eastern as many state legislative sessions begin. Get helpful context, background information, resources and story ideas on the DEI landscape in higher education.
Hear from a policy analyst, civil rights lawyer and journalist who can provide attendees with insights into policies and legislation from the state house to the White House.
Reporters can expect to walk away with tools to stay ahead of the story and avoid missing critical developments happening in legislative halls, federal agencies, college campuses and classrooms.