On May 5, 2014, I wrote this opinion piece below. It is sad to say that 10 years later we are still facing the same problem, maybe even more so given the current attacks on DEI programs and offices. With layoff of 100 faculty and staff of DEI, it begging the question of the impact on the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium (IE) at the University of Texas, one of the three most successful programs in addressing the issue of diversity. With the retirement of Rick Cherwitz as well as that of Freeman Hrabowski at the University of the Maryland Baltimore County and that of Isiah Warner at Louusiana State University who is going to step into their shoes. Not that one can not be replaced, but will someone step forward and be provided the necessary resources tocontinue the success of all three, given the current enviroment that exist today. These three individuals were part of a unique group of individuals who not only had the desire, but the WILL and fortitude to make it happen, and I have often said “speak truth to power no matter what the consequences.
Below is one of my evergreen piece that discusses the three programs. What is an evergreen piece? It is a puece that refers to any topic with an always-on level of interest or relevance. I have, unfortunately, written over 100 of these.