In states across the country, public colleges have been banned from having DEI offices, trainings, investing in efforts to increase the racial and ethnic diversity among students and faculty, and more.  In some places, just the threat of these laws has stifled faculty voices and instilled fear in students of color.  NCAN members have reported being unwilling to advise students to enroll in certain postsecondary institutions for fear of encountering hostile environments that are not conducive to a successful postsecondary education.  At the same time, it’s more urgent than ever that the door to postsecondary education be open to BIPOC students. The returns on a college degree have never been higher yet millions of Black and Latino/a students are unable to access a postsecondary education due to the high cost and other barriers. One-third of White Americans over the age of 25 hold a bachelor’s degree while the same is true for 19% of Black Americans, 16% of Latino/a Americans, and 14% of American Indian/Alaska Natives.

NCAN recommends that states:

• Respect academic freedom and not infringe on the curricula of college and university faculty and academic departments.
• Build supportive environments for students of color. Create resources, programs, and counselors to help them navigate college life. Grow the number of faculty of color so that more see their racial identifies reflected among their professors. Provide mentors, fellowships, and other opportunities for students of color to grow their professional networks and launch their careers.
• Increase need-based state financial aid and operational support for public colleges to keep tuition down and put affordable options in reach for every student of color. 

DEI resources:

• Chronicle of Higher Education DEI Legislation Tracker
• The Invisible Labor of BIPOC Students By Stephanie Tavares, LEDA Policy Corps member
• NCAN Members Respond to Protests for Racial Justice and Equity