Inclusive Excellence Demands Systemic Change in Higher Ed
The immediate losses as a result of continued and strategic legislative attacks against diversity, equity, and inclusion work are staggering: reduced funding for offices, the...
Category: Opinion
The Art of the Repair: Imagining a Reparative Possibility for the University of the Arts, Lincoln University, and the Barnes Foundation
On May 31, news broke that the University of the Arts in Philadelphia would close its doors permanently June 7. The news stunned the U...
Intentionality is Key in First-generation Student Success
As a first-generation college graduate and the first-ever female, Hispanic president of St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, I deeply understand the value of higher...
Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Black Men in Reclaiming Masculinity and Equity in Higher Education
The intersectionality of race and gender cannot be ignored when assessing how college onboarding forces assimilation, stripping Black men of their identity to ensure they...
The Commencement Story and the Rhymes of History
More often than not, the commencement address is designed to be a sanitized rhetorical moment. Graduation speeches are not often written to make incisive interventions,...
70 Years Later: Black Students with Disabilities Post-Brown v. Board of Education
As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, it is crucial to reflect on its complex legacy, particularly...
Another College Just Closed Its Doors. What That Means for Your Institution and the Future of Higher Education
In the study of economics, the relationship between inflation and market correction is complex and interesting. Recently, I have found myself studying this relationship to...
The Case for Board of Trustees to Embrace Academic Acumen
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the role of governing boards, such as the Board of Trustees, is of paramount importance. These bodies are...
Policy Matters for Black Youth Mental Health
In a recent op-ed, we described the present challenges Black youth are facing regarding mental health. Sadly, these statistics continue to be alarming as rates...
Leading Toward Impact: Diversity and Leadership in Higher Education
The nation and its colleges and universities have wrestled with racial injustice and the challenges of diversity for centuries. Cans were kicked down the road...
Combating Gender-Based Violence on College Campuses Must Start at the Top
Gender-based violence, harassment, and sexual assault continue to be rampant on college campuses across the country. More than one out of every eight students experiences...
Beyond Academia: Recognizing and Supporting Non-Academic Struggles of Ph.D. Students
As the pursuit of higher education becomes increasingly competitive and demanding, the focus on academic achievements often overshadows the personal battles that many Ph.D. students...
Pushing Back on the DEI Pushback
DEI has emerged as a major culture war issue less than four years after the tragic murder of George Floyd prompted a national conversation...
Going Boldly: Purposeful Engagement, Critical Thinking, and Success in College
At the end of each academic year, millions of high school seniors across the country are ceremonially launched into their futures. For many, that future...
Innocence Denied: Elementary Black Boys Under Surveillance and Inequitably Disciplined (Again)
Kazaam is a 5-year-old kindergarten Black male. He is a happy, energetic child. However, his teacher often has to tell him to sit down and...
Critical Race Theory, Mental Health, and Improving K-12 Classroom Practices Took Precedence at Alpha Scholarship and Charitable Foundation Conference
Critical race theory in education, K-12 classroom practices, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of school communities, and the importance of self-advocacy...