Higher Ed & DEI

In recent years, American organizations of all kinds have dedicated resources towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These initiatives have become a staple of policy, hiring practices, personnel training, organizational structure, and more. Educational institutions, and higher education in particular, have shown a commitment to DEI.

Do DEI practices in colleges and universities result in a better product for students? Do they improve campus communities?

Some argue that, yes, DEI is integral to a high-functioning university. These practices improve viewpoint diversity, make students feel more at home on their campuses, and help marginalized groups attain a quality education. Others argue that commitment to DEI has resulted in bloated administrations that increase tuition costs without delivering a better product. Moreover, DEI initiatives support some identity groups at the cost of others, and a fervent commitment to DEI can produce exclusive and unfair outcomes.

Ilya Shapiro and Professor Todd Clark joined us to discuss the merits of DEI initiatives and how state-level policy could shape the future of DEI on campus.

Featuring:

Ilya Shapiro, Director of Constitutional Studies, Manhattan Institute

Professor Todd Clark, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, St. Thomas University Law School

[Moderator] Devon Westhill, President and General Counsel, Center for Equal Opportunity

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.