Another “quick takes” on items where there is too little to say to make a complete article, but is still important enough to comment on.
The focus this time: There is no quick fix for wokeness.
First, a little mood music:
Carrying on…
Bans on DEI are more of a suggestion…
“The University of Texas at Austin says it has ‘fully implemented’ the state’s diversity, equity, and inclusion ban in response to a recent undercover video that showed a gender studies employee saying the law “doesn’t do anything yet other than create more work.”
“But Accuracy in Media President Adam Guillette told The College Fix that the law itself is part of the problem. His organization investigates universities in conservative led states ‘to find out if they’re following the law.’
“‘The Texas DEI ban isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on,’ Guillette said in a recent interview. ‘DEI staffers have simply changed job titles and DEI is still being promoted in the curriculum.”’
“However, Guillette also said AIM does not believe Texas universities are fully complying with the state’s restrictions.
“‘Multiple administrators have lost their jobs after appearing in our videos,’ he said. ‘It’s clear that these universities think they’re above the law.’”
DEI is still DEI, but some are hoping you don’t notice when it’s labeled something else.
“Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, announced May 12 that its Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact will host a six-week ‘Inclusive Systems’ series for students, staff, faculty, and community partners.
“The program comes as universities across the country continue to face scrutiny over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs after President Donald Trump signed a January 2025 executive order directing federal agencies to combat ‘illegal’ DEI preferences.
“MSU’s series will run Wednesdays from May 20 to June 24 at the MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach, according to the university’s announcement. The university says participants will engage in ‘participation, discussion, and self-reflective work.’”
In the California State University system, DEI isn’t getting reversed, it’s part of brand new mandates.
“The University of California system made news earlier this year when it eliminated mandatory diversity statements for new hires. But at California’s other public university system, DEI isn’t in retreat—it’s required.
“Nearly every California State University campus requires students to pass at least one diversity and cultural competency class, according to graduation criteria identified by Do No Harm, a group that opposes identity politics in medicine. The exact requirements vary across schools, but they typically prescribe a specific course or allow students to pick from a list of classes that ‘explore the interrelatedness and intersection of race and ethnicity with class, gender and sexuality, and other forms of difference, hierarchy, and oppression.’
“San Francisco State University has among the most demanding criteria, requiring students to take courses in ‘areas that the campus feels are important to graduates’: American ethnic and racial minorities, environmental sustainability and climate action, global perspectives, and social justice. Some classes cover several requirements, like ‘Queer Crip Lit,’ which examines ‘connections between ableism and other forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and transphobia’ in literary works. Another class that covers multiple requirements: ‘Decolonize Your Diet: Food Justice and Gendered Labor in Communities of Color’ focuses on ‘food justice in communities of color addressing issues including sex/gender and food production, racism and attacks on traditional food systems.’”
TTFN.
