Affirmative Action in Higher Education Teach-Out

Where Do We Go From Here?

0 minutes

Reflection Activity

Throughout this Teach-Out, you’ve heard from a number of contributors to learn about the history of affirmative action in U.S. higher education, the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on race-based affirmative action in college admissions, the potential implications and socioeconomic impacts this ruling may have, and the need for diverse and equitable representation and access to educational opportunities.

Below you will find suggestions and recommendations that our experts shared with us throughout the Teach-Out. Review the potential contributions you could make and consider what actions you can take as an individual.

If you are a member of a university community (student, faculty member, staff, etc.):

Who is already doing the work? Identify people, departments, and organizations on campus who are already planning and facilitating DEIJ programming.

Learn about their work.
Ask how you can amplify their efforts.
Get involved in the organization.

Who is making decisions? Advocate for changes you would like to see.

If you are a student, consider joining or supporting student organizations or unions on campus that already work with campus leadership. Volunteer to help advocate on behalf of the organization.
If you are a university employee, consider discussing how you would like to advocate for changes on campus with your unit’s Human Resources department. Additionally, some higher education institutions may have employee organizations or unions that are already advocating for change on campus.

How are you promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your own actions?

Reflect on the language you use to be more inclusive in how you communicate and engage with others on campus.
In different situations, ask questions about whose voice is not represented and work toward including more diverse perspectives.

If you aren’t a member of a university community:

Who is already doing the work? Identify organizations in your community that are promoting racial justice, DEIJ programming, and/or equitable representation and access to educational opportunities.

Reach out to them and ask how you can support them.

Who is making decisions? Advocate for changes you would like to see.
- Contact a local government representative to share your support for DEIJ programming and racial justice in your community.
- If you are an alumni of a university, share your support for DEIJ programming by volunteering.
How are you promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your own actions?

Reflect on the language you use to be more inclusive in how you communicate and engage with others.
In different situations, ask questions about whose voice is not represented and work toward including more diverse perspectives.

Your next steps: Based on the suggested ideas, reflect on what you can do in your community this week, this month, and in the next three months. We invite you to commit to making a plan for action and sharing your plans in the discussion below. Consider addressing the following questions:

What is something you can do this week?

What is something you can do this month?

What is something you can do in the next three months?

Reflect on these questions and let your thoughts flow. There's no right or wrong answer here!

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