Emory’s DEI Shift and Its Impact on Black Communities

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Emory's DEI Programs Face Federal Scrutiny

Emory University has announced the discontinuation of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This decision, according to Interim President Justice Leah Ward Sears, is a direct response to federal laws and mandates (thegeorgiasun.com). Justice Sears stated that these federal directives require higher education institutions to significantly change or even close offices and programs focused on DEI. Emory, she explained, must comply with these clear standards (news.emory.edu).

This move has sparked uncertainty about the future of DEI at Emory, especially concerning the support for a diverse physician training pool and learners from different backgrounds (thesoutherneronline.com). Despite these changes, Emory maintains that its commitment to inclusivity remains central to its mission and identity as a university community (president.emory.edu). The university plans to continue advocating for inclusivity and its role in fostering excellence (news.emory.edu).

A National Trend in DEI Reversals

Emory University's decision to end its formal DEI programs is not an isolated incident. This action aligns with a broader trend of DEI reversals seen across Georgia and throughout the nation, particularly within higher education (thegeorgiasun.com). For instance, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents has implemented changes aimed at combating what they term "DEI ideology" and reinforcing academic integrity (thegeorgiasun.com). These changes include prohibiting ideological tests or diversity statements for admissions, which marks a significant shift in how diversity is approached in the admissions process (thegeorgiasun.com).

Furthermore, colleges and universities across the United States are actively removing DEI terminology from their official websites (thesoutherneronline.com). This widespread removal of language reflects a growing movement against these programs. The trend suggests a national reevaluation of how diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are structured and implemented within academic institutions (thesoutherneronline.com).

Understanding DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): These programs aim to promote fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially those from groups that have been historically underrepresented or subject to discrimination. Diversity focuses on representation, equity on fairness in processes and outcomes, and inclusion on creating environments where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Emory's Enduring Commitment to Inclusivity

Despite the discontinuation of formal DEI programs, Emory University asserts its continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental values (president.emory.edu). Justice Sears affirmed that Emory's dedication to ensuring every person has an equal place, voice, and opportunity to succeed remains strong (president.emory.edu). This commitment, she explained, is demonstrated daily through leadership practices, hiring decisions, mentoring efforts, and community service (president.emory.edu).

The Goizueta Business School at Emory, for example, strives to be a leader in fostering an environment where everyone can thrive (goizueta.emory.edu). The school aims to attract and develop diverse talent, and to equip its community members to be principled leaders in a diverse society (goizueta.emory.edu). The Goizueta Business School has also made DEI a curricular priority, offering an MBA-level concentration with new courses developed by faculty who specialize in this area (goizueta.emory.edu).

The Unclear Federal Mandate

A significant point of confusion arises from the lack of specific federal laws or executive orders cited as mandating the closure of DEI programs. The information available does not define or explain the legal basis for these requirements. This leaves many wondering about the precise nature of the federal concerns or actions that prompted Emory's decision.

Interestingly, some institutions, like Washington University School of Medicine, continue to have DEI funding programs and grants dedicated to diversity (criticalrace.org). For example, the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University's School of Medicine has a "DEI Funding Program" to support individuals working to create positive change and address systemic barriers to equality (criticalrace.org). This grant can support diversity and inclusion in the workplace, DEI education and training, and efforts to increase diversity within teams (criticalrace.org). In 2021, seven million dollars in grants were dedicated to Alzheimer's research in pursuit of "racial equity" at Washington University (criticalrace.org). This contrast raises questions about the consistency and interpretation of federal directives across different institutions.

Washington University School of Medicine DEI Funding

DEI Funding Program supports individuals creating positive change and addressing systemic barriers to equality.

Grants support diversity and inclusion in the workplace, DEI education, and training.

$7 million in grants dedicated to Alzheimer's research for "racial equity" in 2021.

Data from Washington University School of Medicine. Source: criticalrace.org

Operational Impact and Ongoing DEI Efforts at Emory

While Emory's interim president announced the discontinuation of formal DEI programs, the specific offices and initiatives being closed or altered have not been detailed. The number of staff members affected, and the support provided during this transition, also remain unspecified. However, it is important to note that Emory continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across its various schools and initiatives (med.emory.edu).

For example, Emory's School of Medicine emphasizes that "Diversity, equity and inclusion is more than a name, it is a spirit," and highlights its faculty's leadership in DEI efforts (med.emory.edu). The Goizueta Business School has established a DEI concentration as a curricular priority, requiring a minimum of three qualifying electives (goizueta.emory.edu). Furthermore, the Emory Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion continues to offer resources, including a glossary of terms related to race and ethnicity, and provides Safe Space training (goizueta.emory.edu). The School of Medicine also hosts an annual DEI Open House for residency and fellowship applicants interested in DEI efforts, and offers individual departmental informational sessions and Diversity Interview Days (med.emory.edu). These ongoing initiatives suggest that while formal "programs" may be discontinued, the underlying commitment to diversity and inclusion persists through various other channels.

Community Reactions and Future Diversity Efforts

The available information does not provide details on how students, faculty, and the broader community are reacting to these specific changes in Emory's DEI programs. There is also no explicit mention of ongoing discussions or alternative initiatives that have emerged in direct response to the announced discontinuations. However, it is clear that Emory continues to offer a variety of DEI-related programs and resources, indicating that the university is not abandoning its commitment to these principles.

Emory's School of Medicine, for instance, actively supports trainees in their professional development and social needs, providing opportunities to engage in DEI activities and learn about their community and social justice (med.emory.edu). The Goizueta Business School's commitment to DEI is also evident through its academic offerings. For example, the Fall 2022 Common Read book was "Diversity Inc.: The Fight for Racial Equality in the Workplace," which was followed by a panel discussion featuring the author and other leaders (goizueta.emory.edu). The business school also offers a DEI concentration with new MBA-level courses developed by faculty with expertise in principled leadership (goizueta.emory.edu). These efforts demonstrate that even without formal "DEI programs" as previously defined, the university is finding ways to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into its academic and community life.

Emory University's Ongoing DEI Initiatives

School of Medicine DEI: Focus on compassionate, cross-cultural care and eliminating health inequities.
Goizueta Business School DEI: Aims to attract diverse talent and develop principled leaders.
DEI Curricular Priority: Goizueta offers an MBA concentration with new courses.
Safe Space Training: Available through Emory Learning Management System.
DEI Open House: School of Medicine hosts events for residency and fellowship applicants.
DEI Resources: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides glossaries and support.

Data on Emory's ongoing DEI efforts. Source: med.emory.edu, goizueta.emory.edu

The Broader Implications for Black Communities

The shifts in DEI programs at Emory and other institutions carry significant implications for Black communities. For generations, Black students and professionals have faced systemic barriers in higher education and various fields. DEI initiatives were designed to address these historical inequities, aiming to create more inclusive environments and pathways to success. The reduction or alteration of these programs, even if framed as a response to federal mandates, can be perceived as a step backward for those who have historically benefited from such efforts.

The uncertainty surrounding how Emory will continue to support a diverse physician training pool, for example, directly impacts the pipeline for Black medical professionals (thesoutherneronline.com). Ensuring a diverse healthcare workforce is crucial for addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities. While Emory states its unwavering commitment to fairness and opportunity, the practical implementation of this commitment without formal DEI structures becomes a critical concern for those who rely on these programs for access and support. The ongoing efforts within individual schools, such as Goizueta Business School's DEI concentration, offer a glimmer of hope, but the overall landscape remains uncertain for many.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.