April 4, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
I’ve heard from more than one of our members that they left our Annual Conference last month feeling energized and empowered to continue pushing forward in our work without fear and without hesitation. I am so glad many of you left with new tools and contacts to support you in the battle ahead.
And it is a battle. We know many of our colleagues in states like Florida, Texas, and Utah are not able to participate as much as they’d like. Just this week we learned UT Austin laid off about 60 staff members focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to comply with SB 17. This news hits us all hard as our colleagues and friends become victims of this political attack.
For them and for our students, we must commit to doing what we can in our own spheres of influence to dispel myths, correct misrepresentations, and communicate the value and importance of inclusive excellence in higher education.
As we wrap up what has been an exhausting, demanding academic year for diversity professionals, I highly encourage each of you to utilize NADOHE resources like the Communication Guide and the State of the CDO survey report to advocate for yourselves, your teams, and your work. Take advantage of our many chapters for additional community and support, and our virtual CDO Check-ins that we are continuing to offer.
I also want to acknowledge and thank our new Chair of the Board, Dr. Clyde Wilson Pickett for his continuing support and leadership of NADOHE. Please reach out to members of NADOHE leadership, including Dr. Pickett, our new board officers, and new board members announced at the Annual Conference for additional support. Their commitment and dedication to the association is essential for our success now and into the future.
Paulette Granberry Russell, J.D.
President and CEO, NADOHE