Daily Lumina News 032923

The abbreviation DEI, short for diversity, equity, and inclusion, is everywhere—on university centers, in staff titles and administrative positions on college campuses, and in proposed state legislation.
But as some conservative lawmakers set their sights on eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or staff positions at public colleges, or from allowing colleges to use DEI statements in hiring and promotion, the definitions of the abbreviation and the words it stands for have become clouded.

It’s easy to find celebratory tales of “heroes”—one person whose actions have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
The same is true in the stories of adult learners. Whether it's answering questions about enrollment or outlining specific degree program requirements, having that “one person” in education can be a powerful ally, advocate, and resource along an adult learner's journey.

A new analysis from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce says a national ban on race-conscious admissions practices will make it impossible for selective college admissions to mirror the growing racial diversity in high schools.
In the report, CEW researchers examine six different admissions models and the impact they would likely have on racial/ethnic and socioeconomic diversity if used consistently across selective colleges.

In a polarized nation, what role can higher education play in getting students to engage in the sort of productive, civilized debate that consistently evades fully fledged adults in the public sphere?
A number of colleges and universities are trying to figure this out.

As conservative lawmakers across the country consider banning diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on public-college campuses, they often mention the need to protect their states’ taxpayers.
But if enacted, the proposed bills could also prevent colleges from using many federal grants and threaten existing private-funding pipelines.

A new focus on student mental health is causing some colleges to drop the conventional A through F letter grades for first-year college students and, sometimes, upperclassmen.
Advocates say the most important reason to adopt "un-grading" is that students have become so preoccupied with grades, they aren't actually learning. Critics, meanwhile, believe the move amounts to coddling and could set students up for failure.