• Multi-Ethnic Professionals & Allies

  What is happening to DEI in Texas?

  Posted by Stacey Givens on February 9, 2023 at 1:11 pm

  Hello everyone,

  As Florida goes, so goes the nation. Texas is the latest state to declare DEI is not permitted in hiring decisions. DEI in higher ed remains squarely in the crosshairs of state legislation.?

  “The innocuous sounding notion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has been manipulated to push policies that expressly favor some demographic groups to the detriment of others,” a statement from Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Chief of Staff, Gardner Pate.

  We must ask ourselves, what is the benefit of removing DEI statements from hiring? Are hiring practices equitable? Do all personnel receive the same access to opportunities? Are some positions “earmarked” for a short-list of internal applicants? Are the job requirements in alignment with the role? Does your staff represent the communities you serve??

  I’ve been beating this drum for the last year as I watch the dismantling of training designed to make us better as humans. Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, access, justice – whatever label is attached to the work of creating spaces, products, services, and teams designed for the communities they serve – is simply the right thing to do. Full stop.?

  We’re at a tipping point, yet again. The current measures require creative countermeasures to ensure the teams you build, the programs you offer, and the services you provide meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.

  1. Share job postings with your network – beyond the walls of the institution.
  2. Champion others to join your organization – this means replicate yourself. If you work there, why not invite others to join??
  3. Tell others about free (or for fee) professional development opportunities.?
  4. Broadcast scholarships for students to your sorority, fraternity, and religious communities.?
  5. Rebrand DEI content and workshops as “Building Cohesive Teams” or “Creating Cultural Competence”?sessions.??

  To those in the trenches of DEI work, do not give up. Your presence is seen, felt, and has impact.?

  Be well,

  ——————————
  Stacey Givens
  Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Diversity Officer
  ACUI
  Bloomington IN
  ——————————

  Stacey Givens replied 3 years, 6 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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