Missouri Western DEI efforts remain as programs shut down elsewhere
May 2—With universities across the country forced to eliminate funding, jobs and departments, diversity, equity and inclusion-based programs continue in Missouri — for now.
DEI programs have roots in the 1960s Civil Rights movement. Today, officials who are against DEI are leaning toward, if not already, removing programs some say promote discriminatory ideology and preferential treatment.
"DEI is better viewed as standing for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination," Florida Gov. Ron Desantis said.
In Missouri, Sen. Ben Brown, R-Washington, proposed Senate Bill 1125 this legislative session. It would prevent state colleges and universities from requiring diversity, equity and inclusion statements to be submitted by applicants, students, employees and contractors. The bill also prohibits the schools "from giving preferential consideration in admissions or employment on the basis of an individual's or entity's submission of an unsolicited statement relating to a discriminatory ideology."
The bill has not come to a full vote in the Missouri Senate as this legislative session enters its final weeks. Brown proposed a similar bill last year.
On the campus of Missouri Western State University, the Diversity and Inclusion program stands strong at this time, but leadership recognizes the effects if required to close the department.
"We honor our representatives who create policy and are being funded federally and statewide," said Dr. Robert Goltra, dean of students and assistant vice president for student affairs. "We will follow those policies and rules, but on the other side, we also like to take a look at the student development piece and be representative of what our students are asking for and what they need."
Goltra said students who participate in DEI find a sense of connectivity and togetherness in all backgrounds and cultures. Sophomore Miguel Paz Blanco said Missouri Western's program is important in his life.
"I am originally from Honduras and so diversity and inclusion is very important for me," he said.
Blanco currently works as an assistant in the Diversity and Inclusion department on campus and said if the program is shut down, he will be out of a job and the voices of the students who participate in DEI-related events will be silenced, losing their effect to educate others.
"We have all these months that just involve different cultures, backgrounds and stories, and it lets us show the people of Missouri Western that they are here and that all these cultures are here, and while you can learn, you can also have fun with them. You can also embrace them," Blanco said.
Goltra said all DEI events and discussions at Missouri Western are voluntary and up to the student's discretion.
Leslie Stone, director of diversity and inclusion at Missouri Western, said that if removed from campus, they would continue to do the work, but have a new label.
"If it's not called DEI, it will be called something else and we will still try and make sure that everyone feels included whether that's Latinx, African-American, white or LGBTQ, it doesn't matter. We want all of our students to feel included and that they have a place here at Missouri Western," Stone said.
Other universities such as Louisiana State and Oklahoma have created a loophole, changing the name of their programs to Division of Access and Engagement or Division of Access and Opportunity.
For Blanco, there is hope the program will be able to continue at Missouri Western along with efforts for DEI participants to feel heard and seen.
"The people that work in diversity and inclusion are amazing people that just want to do some good in this world and to make change," he said. "Even if it's small, it creates a great impact."
