Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro
News Editor
Rhode Island College has reaffirmed its commitment to the core values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the face of growing federal scrutiny. According to an email sent to the campus community by Dr. Jack Warner on Thursday, the institution recently became the subject of a formal complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education, alleging violations of Title VI due to its participation in the North Star Collective, a program supporting BIPOC faculty.
During a recent meeting with the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education, RIC leadership emphasized the importance of collaboration across institutions to address ongoing changes prompted by federal policies. Despite these challenges, RIC's commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus for all remains unwavering.
RIC’s principles of diversity, equity and inclusion have come under scrutiny due to recent federal actions, with the current administration targeting policies perceived as favoring specific groups. The complaint against RIC, filed by the Legal Insurrection Foundation’s Equal Protection Project, challenges the college's membership in the North Star Collective, which offers fellowships to BIPOC faculty.
Although RIC faces potential federal investigation, with penalties like those faced by institutions like Columbia University, the college is determined to comply fully with any investigation while maintaining its commitment to DEI. RIC emphasized that any necessary adjustments to programs or policies would be made to ensure compliance, without compromising the institution's core values.
RIC's leadership stressed that these values are integral to the college's mission and are reflected in every aspect of campus life, regardless of changing political or legal circumstances. The college continues to prioritize creating an environment where all members of the community can thrive, without fear of exclusion or discrimination.
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