In Eastern Washington, colleges and universities are reaffirming their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) amid changes in nearby Idaho’s educational policies. While DEI remains a focus in Washington, the way it is approached may shift over time.
Recently, the Idaho State Board of Education passed a resolution that bans DEI programs at public four-year colleges in Idaho, which includes schools like the University of Idaho and Boise State University. The resolution emphasizes a belief that DEI prioritizes personal identity traits—like race and gender—over merit.
The board’s decision will take effect on June 20. However, representatives from some Idaho colleges, such as North Idaho College and Lewis-Clark State College, believe they won’t be affected by this resolution. Lewis-Clark State College’s President, Cynthia Pemberton, affirmed, “Our operations are not impacted by these resolutions.”
In Washington, schools like Whitworth University are expanding their commitment to inclusivity. Micki Abercrombie-Donahue, Whitworth’s interim chief diversity officer, highlights that DEI is rooted in the university’s mission to promote healing and community connections. Over the past five years, Whitworth has shifted its focus from just training staff and faculty to understanding the experiences of all students on campus.
“We’re in a different space right now as a nation and as a community,” Abercrombie-Donahue notes. The university plans to enhance DEI efforts, especially regarding career preparation for underrepresented groups.
Despite funding shifts, Abercrombie-Donahue reassured that programs would continue. Whitworth secures funds from various sources, including federal Pell Grants and private donations, ensuring students have the support they need to succeed.
Whitworth is proud of its diverse student body, which includes people from various religious, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds. The university regularly assesses DEI efforts and uses feedback to improve. They promote respectful dialogue through workshops designed to help students and faculty navigate differing opinions productively.
At Eastern Washington University, a new initiative aimed at DEI was launched last fall—the MESA Student Center. This program, designed to enhance the representation of students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), has been eight years in the making. Melissa Graham, interim director of the MESA program, explains that it aims to support STEM students through academic resources and community engagement.
The MESA Center provides a dedicated space for students to study, collaborate, and attend workshops focused on their academic and career growth. The STEM majors make up about one-third of the undergraduate population at EWU, signaling a significant opportunity for DEI initiatives in this field.
Funded by the state and supported by community partners, the MESA Center also encourages students from historically underserved communities to engage and find a sense of belonging. Graham emphasizes the importance of providing equal opportunities for all students as they navigate their academic journeys.
Overall, universities in Eastern Washington are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, adapting their approaches to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
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