June 5, 2023
The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education commends the Department of Education and the Biden administration for bringing attention to the concerning rise in antisemitic harassment and to the need for access to education that is free of discrimination based on protected categories under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Institutions must take action when they learn of incidents of hate, harassment, and discrimination, and they must understand the risks posed by not addressing the cumulative effect these incidents can have not only on members of the targeted identity group, but on all members of their campus communities. In failing to do so, they neglect their responsibility to cultivate an environment where students can succeed in their educational pursuits.
This antisemitism awareness campaign highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion work and of supporting those who strive to create more inclusive campus environments, even as this work is currently under attack by a number of state lawmakers. We urge our members to carefully review and consider the Department of Education’s Dear Colleague Letter regarding the campaign. The disturbing prevalence of antisemitic incidents demonstrates the importance of our work as scholars and practitioners advancing inclusive excellence, and we must be prepared to guide our institutions in the work ahead.
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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.