The effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at public colleges is gaining momentum, with activists and conservative politicians saying the offices inhibit academic freedom and are discriminatory.

Advocates of diversity efforts are preparing for a long-term battle. Says Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education: "If higher education is going to fulfill its mission to serve all students, DEI offices are essential.”

Teaching is about attention—getting students attention and keeping them engaged so they can develop new skills and abilities. But holding the attention of students has become more difficult since the pandemic, say many college instructors.

In this interview, professors offer insight on new approaches to connect with students.

Troy University must change its policies to better accommodate pregnant students under a deal it struck with the U.S. Department of Education this month, resolving an agency investigation into whether the Alabama public institution violated federal civil rights law. 

Legal experts say the department’s agreement with Troy highlights the agency’s recent push to ensure pregnant students are protected under Title IX. Colleges will need to account for this stricter oversight, they warn.