DEI Testimonial: Marliza Marin

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.“ Contrary to opponents’ beliefs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts do not, “resemble practices of cult initiation.'' The DEI framework functions to promote fair treatment within institutions. This is especially important across higher education institutions which historically have failed to serve underserved communities including veterans, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, women, first-generation college students, working-class people, and immigrants. Eliminating DEI will have multi-faceted consequences. DEI efforts help ensure that students are supported in every aspect of life and ensure that faculty are adequately prepared to teach a diverse student population.

Opponents of DEI programs are concerned that groups that have been historically advantaged would lose opportunities and this poses a threat to their rights. On the contrary, DEI frameworks would create more opportunities for all. It helps prepare students to function more fully in a diverse society. Furthermore, research shows that even with existing DEI efforts students from underrepresented backgrounds experience mental distress from the weight of discrimination, removing DEI would only perpetuate these instances.

As a first-generation, Latina, low-income, product of immigrants, I can speak from personal experience that the elimination of DEI will signal to students from underrepresented backgrounds that the state and universities are not invested in our education or success. Furthermore, it will deprive students from the right to learn about discrimination, diversity, equity and inclusion from experts in these fields. As students, we have a right to a comprehensive and all-encompassing education.” - Marliza Marin, MPAff LBJ School ‘24