Where Leadership Meets Law: Upholding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education

Under this federal administration, our country has been facing mounting threats to Latinx, Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI), and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) people’s ability to equitably access and succeed in college. Equally troubling, colleges and institutions across the country—that once stood on the side of students—are overinterpreting the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision curtailing race-conscious college admissions practices in response to the administration’s efforts to divest from diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The truth is that supporting a diverse student body makes our communities better, our economy stronger, and the livelihoods of people more secure. Higher education continues to be essential to making this a reality as our nation’s greatest equalizer. As affirmed by a coalition of 18 state Attorneys General, there is nothing illegal about equitably supporting all students to achieve their college dreams. Despite federal attempts to create confusion and fear, federal law still allows institutions to uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that are tailored to meet students’ unique needs. 

Now is the time to resist pre-emptive overcompliance—a burden carried on the backs of underrepresented students. The Campaign is proud to host Where Leadership Meets Law: Upholding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education, a timely discussion with legal experts and California higher education leaders to examine the shifting legal landscape in higher education, and what is really at stake for higher education, academic freedom, and students’ rights in the future. 

Featured speakers include:

• ROB BONTA, Attorney General of California
• ASHLEY PORTER, Transfer Student of Oxnard College & University of Southern California, 2024–2025 Student Leadership Institute Graduate
• THOMAS A. SAENZ, President and General Counsel of Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
• DEBORAH SANTIAGO, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Excelencia in Education
• BRIAN KING, Ed.D., Chancellor of Los Rios Community College District
• YVETTE GULLATT, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer of University of California
• DILCIE D. PEREZ, Ed.D., Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs & Chief Student Affairs Officer of California State University
• EDWARD C. BUSH, Ph.D., Board Chair of Campaign for College Opportunity
• JESSIE RYAN, President of Campaign for College Opportunity