In recent years, American organizations of all kinds have dedicated resources towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These initiatives have become a staple of policy, hiring practices, personnel training, organizational structure, and more. Educational institutions, and higher education in particular, have shown a commitment to DEI.

Do DEI practices in colleges and universities result in a better product for students? Do they improve campus communities?

Some argue that, yes, DEI is integral to a high-functioning university. These practices improve viewpoint diversity, make students feel more at home on their campuses, and help marginalized groups attain a quality education. Others argue that commitment to DEI has resulted in bloated administrations that increase tuition costs without delivering a better product. Moreover, DEI initiatives support some identity groups at the cost of others, and a fervent commitment to DEI can produce exclusive and unfair outcomes.

In this program, Ilya Shapiro and Professor Todd Clark discussed the merits of DEI initiatives and how state-level policy could shape the future of DEI on campus.

Featuring:
--Ilya Shapiro, Director of Constitutional Studies, Manhattan Institute
--Professor Todd Clark, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, St. Thomas University Law School
--[Moderator] Devon Westhill, President and General Counsel, Center for Equal Opportunity