Higher Ed Day of Action Rally
April 17, 2025
University of Pittsburgh Schenley Plaza
Speaker: Dr. Kyaien Conner
My name is Dr. Kya Conner, I am a 4-time alumna of the University of Pittsburgh. I am also the Donald M. Henderson endowed chair in the School of Social Work where I am the Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems and Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. I am honored to stand before you today, as we gather to raise our voices in opposition, against the growing threats to academic freedom, to science…and to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The words Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Justice are not mere buzzwords or isolated programs. They are fundamental principles and values that form the bedrock of a fair and just society. They represent a commitment to fostering policies, practices, and initiatives that ensure every member of the academic community—regardless of background, identity, or ability—has the opportunity to flourish and thrive. The benefits of DEI are significant and clear. Yet, we are currently facing a period where these principles are under attack, threatened by misconceptions, false narratives, and an utter disregard for the profound benefits DEI brings to higher education and to our constituents who rely on them. While I have the floor, I would like to take a moment to address and correct some misconceptions. It is imperative that the voices of truth resonate more loudly than those spreading falsehoods.
Some claim that DEI initiatives lower standards. This is FALSE! DEI programs are designed to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources, enabling them to reach their full potential. By dismantling systemic barriers and offering robust support, DEI initiatives cultivate environments where merit and talent can genuinely flourish. These efforts are not acts of discrimination; rather, they are strategic measures to counteract and mitigate existing discrimination.
Some claim that DEI initiatives promote division and divisiveness. This is FALSE! DEI initiatives attempt to create environments of belonging and unity. By embracing and celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion, we create environments where individuals from different backgrounds can learn from one another, share unique perspectives, and collaborate effectively. This not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares our students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Some have stated that DEI programs are unnecessary because we live in a post-racial society. Unfortunately, this too is FALSE! You can find evidence of disparities by identity almost anywhere you look, including the under-representation of students and faculty of color in higher education; persistent gender pay inequities; disparities in access to health, healthcare, positive health outcomes; University and classroom accessibility challenges; significant wealth gaps, etc. These disparities will worsen in the absence of DEI programs…and it is important to say out loud that providing additional opportunities/support to some who have experienced historical disadvantages does NOT mean limited opportunities for others. DEI programs do not take away opportunities from anyone—they expand them, so that ALL may benefit.
These threats to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are not merely attacks on these principles, programs, or initiatives; they are attacks on our core values and identity as institutes of higher education and as a nation. They seek to dismantle decades of progress and erase the infrastructure that has enabled underrepresented students to access, navigate, and succeed in environments that were not originally designed for them. If DEI is dismantled in higher education, the repercussions will extend far beyond universities, permeating industries, workplaces, and entire communities, reshaping them profoundly. It is crucial that we stand united against these threats and continue to advocate for and protect DEI.
Some major institutions have succumbed to pre-emptive obedience, raising questions about their genuine commitment to Diversity, Equity and inclusion and leaving us to wonder whether they ever truly valued DEI. Most institutions, however, have remained silent, saying nothing, attempting to avoid scrutiny by staying under the radar and keeping their heads down.
But in the current environment, Silence is complicity. They are relying on universities to weigh the financial implications of speaking out and to prioritize federal funding over their commitment to academic freedom, to science to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The cost of this silence will be great. Our universities are already under attack, being silent won’t protect us from the dismantling of DEI….and it sends the message that universities and academic programs are willing to abandon their core values the moment they are challenged with financial penalty. Yet, there is hope, as some institutions are beginning to take a stand.
School systems like New York state and Universities like the University of California system and Harvard University have been publicly vocal about their commitment to DEI. They have taken a stand against the current administration and argue that DEI programs are essential for creating inclusive environments where all students can thrive. They have placed billions in dollars of funding on the line, to stand up for what they believe in. It is inspiring to see such dedication to these values.
So, the question now isn’t which Universities will comply or stay silent... but who will take a stand? Who will fight back? The opposition is counting on us to comply. They are counting on our fear. They are counting on our silence. Now is NOT the time for complicity, now is NOT the time for pre-emptive obedience, now is NOT the time for fear or silence.
Now is the moment for Pittsburgh's institutions of higher education to have the courage to stand on their stated convictions and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their declared principles. It is imperative to mobilize all our available resources and stand up for what we say we believe in. We must unequivocally assert that we will NOT compromise our independence and autonomy nor forfeit our constitutional rights. Let us be among the first to stand with those institutions that have bravely chosen to publicly resist. Let us unite in solidarity, aligning ourselves on the right side of history during this pivotal juncture. The time to take a stand is now!