Eliminating Mizzou’s DEI Division Harms Missourians

I'm writing with a heavy heart.

Today the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I was a faculty member for 22 years, announced the elimination of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Division. I was a faculty fellow in that division for 5 years. (I left MU in 2022 to launch my consultancy.)

I'm not surprised by this news, and yet it's hit me really hard.

The Missouri state legislature has been introducing bills to eliminate or reduce public DEI programs for the past 2 years. This isn't just the reality of higher education in Missouri. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, since last year DEI changes have been made at 185 universities across 25 states, undermining efforts to create diverse and welcoming campus communities for all.

What is the path forward for public universities in red states? I don’t have the answer, but I am certain of this:

✅ The notion that DEI programs make universities less welcoming to all is a myth that supports and sustains inequality.
✅ This myth--and the false neutrality that upholds it--must be called out, not accommodated.
✅ Statements about diversity, equity, and inclusion are hollow without the policies and support systems that help ALL students succeed and feel a sense of belonging.

If we want to promoting student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness, higher education leaders must defend and strengthen DEI. Educational excellence requires inclusive excellence.

Photo credit: Brian Munoz, St. Louis Public Radio