Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles and practices are known to have individual and collective benefits as supported by years of evidence. For example, research has shown the benefits of diverse learning environments (Hurtado et al., 2003), improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Bowman, 2010), and that diverse groups perform better than homogeneous groups (Page, 2017). Despite the benefits and positive outcomes of DEI, there is an active effort to discredit and dismantle the progress made by DEI-informed practices. As tracked by the Chronicle of Higher Education, such efforts have led to 85 bills across 28 states that seek to eliminate DEI offices and DEI training, among other DEI-related and informed efforts. Such anti-DEI efforts directly impact the states in which legislation has been proposed or passed and a chilling effect on other states where there might be concern of what is to come. Though such efforts present a challenge, scholars and practitioners across the country are committed to advancing DEI because of the known benefits to the broader human condition.

To this end, this panel is for all within higher education, from current graduate students to senior faculty administrators, and offers an opportunity to reflect on the critical role each of us plays in ensuring that our institutions continue to provide access to and within higher education, ensure that systems and structures reflect the needs of all and that all receive critical resources and support to ensure equitable outcomes. Panelists will discuss the current climate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within higher education and the challenges that scholars and practitioners face in employing the practices and principles of DEI. Including how we got to this point? How does the current climate shape strategies moving forward? And where do we go from here?

Please join Dr. Mitchell Chang, Ph.D. from University of California Los Angeles, Dr. Liliana Garces, Ed.D., J.D., Dr. Demetri Morgan, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in a faculty forum on outreach and engagement entitled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education: "All Progress is Precarious" on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Prechter Laboratory (Room 2202) at the School of Education Building, located at 610 E. University Avenue in Ann Arbor. This forum will be moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Birr Moje, Ph.D., Dean of the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education, and is sponsored by the University of Michigan Center for Educational Outreach, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, National Center for Institutional Diversity, Marsal Family School of Education, Rackham Graduate School, and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.