January 14, 2022
As colleges and universities across the country remember the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this Monday, we call for thoughtful reflection on the attempts to disenfranchise voters, particularly people of color and young adults.
From the bridge in Selma to The Voting Rights Act of 1965, Dr. King was familiar with and vocal about reprisals from those who oppose civil rights in this country. We are experiencing a similar backlash today on the heels of historic, global uprisings in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Martin Luther King III in a recent statement emphasized that “MLK Day has always been a day on, not off. . . we’re asking people to honor Dr. King through action to protect the right to vote.” However you have chosen to honor Dr. King, as leaders in higher education, it is our responsibility to ensure we protect the rights of our students and use our role as educators to draw attention to this issue of vital importance.
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The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) is the preeminent voice for chief diversity officers. As the leader of the national conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it investigates, influences, and innovates to transform higher education so that inclusive excellence lives at its core.