Executive Order Deluge
In July 2023, Tennessee enacted Tennessee Code § 49-7-1904, setting limitations on how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics are addressed within public higher education institutions. This law prohibits mandatory training, programs, or materials that include what it defines as divisive concepts. Notably, it restricts the use of state funds to promote these concepts through academic curricula or professional development. The law also presents implementation challenges, such as incident reporting; there was a mechanism for students to report faculty and staff, but no system to report students. And to be clear there were students who needed to be reported. I left the community college before the law's enforcement began, so I am not privy to its application.
On January 21, 2025, the Executive Order Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity was issued. This order, according to federal language, ensures First Amendment protections at federally funded educational institutions. It specifically defends the right to free speech, including discussions on topics some may find controversial or divisive. It emphasizes that federal agencies and educational institutions should not use DEI policies to suppress protected speech.
Despite these seemingly contradictory positions, both the statute and the EO appear to create a legal framework that could potentially allow and facilitate what most consider hate speech to flourish on campuses. These provisions seem to protect speakers who have previously been barred for promoting harmful or divisive views.
As a former Dean, I understand the importance of developing proactive policies and procedures to navigate the coming years. Effective communication, internally and externally, will be crucial. Supporting faculty will be essential, given their commitment to student success and passion for their subjects. With the challenges presented by negative perceptions and the rise of AI, leadership in higher education must be strong, proactive and adaptive to manage ALL the demands of college leaders.
#Project2025 #highereducation #DEI #strategiccommunications
