Closing Out 2024
Jamal Watson
As we close out 2024, I find myself reflecting deeply on both the personal and professional challenges that have shaped this turbulent year. The landscape of higher education has been dramatically altered, and we at Diverse have worked hard to document these seismic shifts in real time.
The recent reelection of Donald J. Trump has sent shockwaves through academic institutions nationwide, raising serious concerns about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. The systematic dismantling of DEI programs that we’ve witnessed across several states this year threatens to reverse decades of progress in making our campuses more inclusive and equitable. These developments demand our attention and our action. The incoming administration’s threat to shut down the U.S. Department of Education have larger implications for both K-12 and higher education.
This year has tested our resilience on multiple fronts. The ongoing attacks on affirmative action, the politicization of curriculum, and the increasing pressure on institutions to abandon their commitment to diversity have created an environment of uncertainty and concern. We witnessed mass protests on campuses—with some turning violent—following the October 7th attacks in Israel and the ongoing Hamas and Israeli war. Yet, even in these challenging times, I’ve witnessed countless examples of educators, administrators, and students standing firm in their commitment to creating inclusive learning environments and encouraging the free expression of ideas and viewpoint diversity.
On a personal note, this autumn brought profound loss with the passing of my beloved mother in October. A retired early childhood schoolteacher, her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education has always informed my work at Diverse, and her legacy continues to inspire my commitment to this mission. I am deeply grateful to our many readers who reached out with notes, text messages, and words of encouragement during this difficult time. Your support has meant more than words can express.
As we look ahead to 2025, our mission at Diverse becomes even more critical. We must ensure that equity in higher education receives the serious attention it rightly deserves, drawing on our 40 years of reporting on these critical issues. The challenges to access higher education that have plagued our nation for generations cannot continue to go unaddressed. We need meaningful action, not just dialogue, to move the needle on these persistent issues.
Our commitment at Diverse remains unwavering: to shine a light on these challenges, to celebrate progress where we find it, and to hold institutions accountable where we see shortcomings. In these uncertain times, we will continue to serve as a platform for voices that champion equity and inclusion in higher education.
The year ahead will undoubtedly bring its own set of challenges, but it also brings opportunities for meaningful change. We must approach these challenges with renewed determination and a clear vision of what truly inclusive higher education looks like. Our students – and our nation’s future – deserve nothing less.
Thank you for your continued support of Diverse. Your engagement with our work makes it possible for us to continue this vital mission.
Yours in Progress,Â
Jamal Watson, Ph.D.
Executive Editor
Subscribe now to access the digital version of this edition