How would you feel after you had worked hard to achieve the best grades in preparation for acceptance into a higher education program, only to be shot down because you were not diversified enough to be accepted. This exact situation happened to a pre-med student applying for residency and continued to be rejected because he was not gay, Hispanic, Black, or poverty struck. It is imperative that leveling the playing field by mandating diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education be a priority.
To ensure equal opportunity, encourage inclusive environments, and develop a diverse learning community that reflects the richness of society and equips students for success in a globally interconnected world, it is essential to implement inclusion, equity, and diversity in higher education settings. Individuals will encounter this in their workplace. It is better to prepare yourself for what the world is facing versus be ignorant to DEI status.
First, legal, and ethical imperatives. Legislation mandating diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects society’s commitment to uphold legal and ethical principles of equality and justice. This ensures that educational institutions fulfill their responsibility to provide an environment free from discrimination and harassment. In January 2024, an emotional hearing was held to ban DEI. The bill, HB261, titled “Equal Opportunity Initiatives,” aims to outlaw DEI trainings, requirements, programs and offices at public universities, schools “or any other institution of the state” that engages in what the legislation calls “prohibited discriminatory practices.” MSN News reported.
Second, social justice and fair access. Regardless of background, all individuals have equal access to educational opportunities. Even if you are not a minority (LGBTQ+, disabled individuals, or racial minorities) you will still be given the right to be accepted into high education programs. To ensure that everyone has equal access for chances to academic growth, regardless of their financial backgrounds or other personal circumstances, social justice requires equal acceptance and access to scholarships for higher education. Pew Research Center conducted a survey in regard to those with different educational attainment, “44% of workers with a postgraduate degree say having a mix of employees of different races and ethnicities is extremely or very important to them, compared with 34% of those with a bachelor’s degree only and 27% of those with some college or less.” Programs that give impoverished students financial aid and mentoring can level the playing field by enabling members of poor groups to pursue higher education and realize their full potential. Utah representative Hall stated that, “We have a statutory commitment to diversity and especially equality of opportunity. So, this opens the door to all Utahans to not be judged based on a group or an identity, but to look at the individual.”
Lastly, factoring preparation for global citizenship. To master abilities like teamwork, communication and cultural competency is crucial for navigating the complexity of our interconnected world. For a majority of employed U.S. adults (56%), focusing on increasing DEI at work is a good thing, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Being flexible and receptive to current ideas allows global citizens to welcome fresh viewpoints and ideas, which promotes creativity and collaboration. To become ready for global citizenship is a lifelong process of learning and self-discovery. KSL reported Utah representative, Katy Hall, supporting the bill of diversity, equity, and inclusion saying “It does not close cultural centers. It does not defund programs or scholarships. It does not exclude students who need extra services for their academic success, including those who are already receiving services.”
In conclusion, to create a diverse learning community that reflects the richness of society and prepares students for success in an increasingly interdependent global landscape, it is imperative that laws requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion to fairly upheld in higher education. Regardless of if you are not disabled, a minority, or part of the rising popularity of the LGBTQ+ community. By supporting laws that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, we not only safeguard the core values of justice and fairness but also open the door to a day when all students will have the chance to succeed and make significant contributions to society.
Add comment
Comments