DEI Backlash: Navigating Institutional Fear in the Contemporary Educational Landscape

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

12:30 PM – 1:20 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Scarlet Oak (Mezzanine Level)

CMEs: 0.75

Co-Authors: Lillie Hudson, MSPA, MPH, PA-C

Primary Speaker(s)

Lillian Navarro-Reynolds, MS, PA-C (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor, Interim Program Director and Division Head
Oregon Health and Science University

Slides

Co-Speaker(s)

Anthony A. Clare, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C (he/him/his)

Assistant Professor
Elon University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies , North Carolina
CM

Charles Mininger, PA-C

Assistant Professor of Medical Education
Northwestern University
SP

Samuel Paik, PA-C (he/him/his)

Assistant Professor
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Disclosure(s):

Lillian Navarro-Reynolds, MS, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Anthony A. Clare, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Samuel Paik, PA-C: No financial relationships to disclose

Description: Institutional fear and reprioritization permeate academic spaces, hindering efforts to create effective and inclusive learning environments. Consequently, graduates may be unprepared to address the social determinants of health.

Speakers will describe the historical implications of anti-DEI legislation and policy. Participants will share their challenges and triumphs to create collaborative solutions.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the origins, evolution, and current environment of DEI initiatives in higher education
Examine the resistance to DEI efforts at the federal, state, and institutional levels at public and private higher educational institutions
Discuss the current status of DEI work at session participants’ institutions and how this environment impacts faculty and students
Identify strategies for continuing or implementing DEI efforts in the face of resistance