I really don't care what LSU calls its diversity, equity and inclusion work — as long as the university actually does the hard work that makes a difference, so that whatever we call it, we'll know that doing the right thing makes a positive difference for all of us.
I'm a . I'm no degree-holder in diversity, but I am a trained and certified diversity coach and trainer. I've done the work I've been around long enough to remember , , and departments, divisions and task forces.
And I've learned that those are just words — unless the hard work is done to achieve significant change.
Don't get me wrong, I support DEI work at LSU and other universities, in the classrooms, departments and schools. I favor our government leaders taking a lead on this, proving they are not homophobic, racist or sexist with structured, systemic policies and actions.
There's been a lot of debate about LSU President William F. Tate IV's decision to move away from DEI and focus on "engagement" instead.
LSU once had an Office of Civil Rights and Title IX. No mention of diversity, inclusion or equity. Tate started 2024 off with a bang by changing the Division of Inclusion, Civil Rights & Title IX to the
"What really matters on this issue of DEI and its demonization by current partisan politics are the values of fair and equitable treatment of all and recognition of historical injustices that have left a legacy of 'underrepresented groups' whose inclusion we now have affirmatively to encourage," LSU physics professor and longtime faculty member"That is in the best interest of the future of our institutions as well as the nation and underlies our basic philosophy."
Rau is right, but he opposes the name change. I agree with his philosophy, but the name change doesn't bother me.
and the Louisiana Illuminator have covered this story like the right way to servegravy on mashed potatoes: all over it. On Thursday, Piper Hutchinson reported in that a number of LSU units have scrubbed the word "diversity" from their websites since Tate's announcement.
These units "scrubbing" their sites know what's happening. Tate's administration has made it clear it's not directing anyone to do anything — but the renamed division reports to Tate, who raises money for the campus and creates its budget. In time, those with "DEI" efforts might see less funding, or no funding. Those with "engagement" will maintain their funds, or get a bump.
I talked with Tate about the DEI brouhaha. While I don't agree with him on some aspects of this matter, I appreciate and understand what he's doing — and why.
to "engagement" by citing how LSU engages with disabled faculty members, staff and students. He said LSU has parking spaces for those who have official handicap credentials. But, if an able-bodiedperson has an accident or surgery, it's good to let them use the same spots temporarily. The reality is that many things that we do for disabledpeople are good for everyone, Tate said.
If, for example, intervening for women in STEM works, that's an equity program. He likes that. "That equity effort is extremely important to do," he said. "We can take that effort to apply to others. That becomes equal opportunity. … We don't want to stop fighting for equity. We just want to give everybody the opportunity to take advantage of what we learned from that program."
There's a , just as there's a differences between diversity by itself and diversity, equity and inclusion. The proof is in what they mean and whether they produce real progress.
LSU is Louisiana's flagship public university. The brand stands tall, but the institution is not infallible. The name change represents a pivot and a challenge. Tate wants to lead by showing — and challenging — administrators, faculty, staff and students to think more broadly and to help him protect them, legally, as anti-DEI rage grows.
I want to see substantive change.
I challenge Tate to prove that this "engagement" switch is more than wordsmithing. I challenge him to prove that the hard work will continue, and deepen, so we can see a more DIVERSE, more EQUITABLE, more INCLUSIVE — and, yes, more engaged LSU community going forward.