Elimination of DEI programs threatens students support systems

Programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion help many people within the SUNY system. Still, due to the elimination of DEI, these opportunities will be erased.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion promote the success of everyone by implementing these sets of practices, treating everyone fairly, and creating equal opportunities for all. This brings everyone together and makes them feel included and valued in their community. DEI is usually implemented in workplaces and schools. In different workplaces there is DEI training that is required before working for the organization. This helps improve business ethics and employee morale, according to Micheal Boyles, a writer for Harvard Business School online.
DEI has been a part of higher education since day one. It is shown when international students come to America to study, students with disabilities being treated no differently, and students of any background being able to attend the same school.
The elimination of DEI can affect students and teachers, especially teachers who lack the resources to have a diverse classroom within the SUNY system.
The loss of DEI programs could result in fewer opportunities for students to experience cultural diversity and a sense of belonging. Student-led diversity programs, as well as specific spaces for students of color, LGBTQ students, and first-generation students, are all essential in ensuring that students feel represented and supported. Without the support of DEI, many of these programs may be erased or put at risk. Withdrawing students from important spaces to make connections and the support they need to succeed, according to Emmanuel Marshal, a writer for Edtrust.
The Department of Education has already launched its end DEI portal. This portal allows people like parents, students, teachers, and the broader community to report discrimination based on race or sex in publicly-funded K-12 schools, as stated by the U.S Department of Education. This was done so that schools could focus on reading, writing, and math and not focus on things like critical theory and divisive ideologies. This brings fear into people as it can influence young people into thinking that the work of DEI is discrimination. At the K-12 level they have a portal where people can report schools for doing DEI work, and that is so scary, said SUNY Oswego Title IX coordinator, Lisa Evaneski.
The absence of these programs could reduce academic achievement and support structures for students from marginalized backgrounds. Services that aim to help students of color, first-generation students, and students with disabilities can be heavily impacted. This lets these students go through their education without the resources they need to navigate themselves to graduation day. These programs consist of personal guidance, tutoring, and financial aid, affecting students who face multiple challenges on their path to graduation. Without these programs, students could struggle with feeling unsupported in their academic environment.
Faculty members are also affected by the elimination of DEI programs. DEI training for faculty and staff helps them prepare for the diverse needs of their students. Making sure that they are capable of creating equitable and inclusive environments within their classroom. However, with the absence of these training programs, it will be difficult for them to address any bias, discrimination, and inequity that might happen in the classroom. With all this happening, students could feel like they are not being represented which can lead to less engagement and poor academic performance.
The absence of DEI programs could damage the reputation of SUNY as it seems like the system is taking a step back on these initiatives. No SUNY colleges have yet to eliminate DEI offices from their campuses. Some schools have already eliminated DEI offices from their campuses. You are not stuck, you have choices, says Dr. Ricardo Nazario y Colón, senior vice chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. Students have the choice whether or not to leave the school when they decide to eliminate DEI. This decision can be made to go to another institution and be represented and heard. Underrepresented students should stay engaged and focused on the news and not react with scared emotions, said Dr. Ricardo Nazario y Colón.

Jeffrey Santos

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