The Alabama House passed a bill on March 7 that restricts diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for public institutions across the state.
Samford University’sDEI initiatives do not appear to be greatly affected at this time, given its private school status. However, the decision has raised concern from those involved in DEI initiatives here on campus.
Akeim Thames, president of the Tau Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated, says the bill is a loss for the state of Alabama.
“Having these bills passed, it loses,” Thames said. People lose interest in Alabama because there’s not a space for them or a platform for them to go professionally, academically or personally.”
For Thames, DEI is a lifestyle that he embodies daily and he believes others should treat it that way too.
“DEI can touch so many different people in so many different ways that I feel like to ban something that targets that attacks everyone,” said Thames.
For Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Niya Pickett Miller, DEI on Samford’s campus is a direct representation of Christ-like living through inclusion.
“The great news about this campus is that it is a faith-based learning environment,” said Miller. “So because of that, I get to lead with a Christ-centered approach towards the subject matter and establish the foundation that we’re all a part of the Creation.”
DEI serves numerous roles in Miller’s life. She is the mother of a daughter in high school and a visually impaired son.
“I want my daughter to learn in an environment, where she’s obviously Black, female, demonstrating diversity where there are initiatives in place to support her success, not hinder,” said Miller. “And when I think about the opportunities that [my son] either would have or not have because of his physical difference. As a mother, I would love for him to just have the option to contribute to… anything that he would like to engage in.”
Not long before Alabama’s decision, the University of Florida eliminated their DEI programs on campus entirely in compliance with the state’s regulations.
“It very well likely could lead to sort of a trickle down,” said Miller. “I definitely feel heightened because it undoubtedly will still shape the initiatives that we even see in private institutions. I don’t see how it would not somehow influence – if not overtly, certainly in subtle ways.”
Thames agrees that Samford is likely to eventually be affected by the legislative change but hopes the Samford community will put forth efforts to combat it before it reaches campus.
“Just because it’s not knocking at our door does not mean we can’t get involved,” said Thames. “Because that’s kind of sometimes the best help, when you can get ahead of it instead of getting behind it.”
At this time, Samford’s DEI initiatives will stay in place and continue as normal.
Arts & Life Editor
