Daily Lumina News 021924

The debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has been heating up around the country, with lawmakers in 25 states introducing more than 70 bills targeting DEI efforts at public institutions.
In this interview, racial equity scholar Shaun Harper and Greg Lukianoff of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression offer their perspectives on what the DEI dispute is about and what the stakes are in the world of higher education.

Sacramento State—home to the largest number of Black students within the California State University system—is launching what will become the nation’s first-ever Black Honors College.
Unlike Honors Colleges at some institutions that have specialized programs to attract Black students, Sacramento State’s model is radically different. The entire college is being designed specifically with Black students—and increasing their success—in mind.

More than six million Californians aged 25 to 64 have attended college but stopped short of earning a degree or credential.
Interviews with more than 50 “comebacker” students—individuals who later returned to college and graduated—offer insight into four key strategies to help institutions across California re-engage, re-enroll, and propel adult learners to success.

The vast majority of students in California graduate from high school, but most don’t complete the classes needed for admission into the state’s public universities. Black and Latino students are the least likely to finish these courses, known as A through G requirements.
The Victor Valley Union High School District is determined to change that equation.

Numerous studies show there are science-backed ways to help students learn to read, but not all teachers are trained in the best way to do so.
In response, many colleges and universities with teacher training programs are amending their courses so they're more in line with the latest research.

It takes a village—to do almost anything.
While that common refrain usually applies to raising a child, it also fits when considering policy and systems change to support the success of student parents in higher education.