DEI at Stake: Higher Education

The recent United States Supreme Court ruling, STUDENTS FOR FAIR ADMISSIONS, INC. v. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, on June 29, 2023, restricted affirmative action in college admission. Proponents of affirmative action including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are speculating about equal opportunity initiatives in education and employment. Since the ruling, STUDENTS FOR FAIR ADMISSIONS, INC. v. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, DEI proponents have seen a nationwide backlash using this judicial decision to target DEI programs in the schools and workplace.

This seminar will consider what is at stake for DEI in higher education after the ruling, STUDENTS FOR FAIR ADMISSIONS, INC. v. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE. This seminar will also examine the implications of employment law in private and public sector organizations.  We will explore other legal cases that have been filed regarding DEI. The discussion will also feature practical tips for implementing DEI programs in the current social, economic, and political climate.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the legal implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the schools and workplace
2. Examine the significance of the recent United States Supreme Court ruling, STUDENTS FOR FAIR ADMISSIONS, INC. v. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
3. Identify federal and state regulations on the basis of DEI
4. Discuss recent case law related to DEI in the schools and workplace
5. Review practical tips to implement DEI programs in the current social, economic, and political climate