Two prominent Virginia universities, Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason University, recently decided to cancel their plans to require diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) classes for graduation.
While the DEI courses will still be offered, they will no longer be compulsory for students to graduate this fall.
Audit by Governor Youngkin Influences Decision
The decision to revise the course requirements followed an audit initiated by Governor Glenn Youngkin. The audit specifically reviewed proposed “Racial Literacy” courses at VCU and “Just Societies” courses at George Mason.
The education secretary’s office criticized these requirements as “core curriculum mandates that are a thinly veiled attempt to incorporate the progressive left’s groupthink,” as reported by Inside Higher Ed.
VCU’s Board Votes on Curriculum Changes
The Board of Visitors at Virginia Commonwealth University cast a 10-5 vote against integrating a “racial literacy course” into the General Education curriculum.
The university explained that the board’s decision was driven by “a commitment to upholding academic freedom while empowering students with flexibility and autonomy in their educational journey,” according to a VCU statement.
VCU Leadership Encourages Course Exploration
Despite the decision to not mandate these courses for graduation, VCU BOV Rector Todd Haymore stated, “This vote is not about the content of our courses, only the graduation mandate.”
He encouraged students to take these courses voluntarily to enhance their understanding.
Presidential Support for Racial Literacy Courses
VCU President Michael Rao commented on the decision.
He said, “As a faculty member myself, I support our faculty’s role and expertise in developing our curriculum. I strongly support and encourage racial literacy courses and am pleased they are available for students,” highlighting his backing for these educational initiatives.
National Context for Curriculum Changes
The discussions around these curriculum changes were influenced by national protests following George Floyd’s death.
The proposed courses were designed to apply a racial perspective to various subjects such as media, activism, healthcare, psychology, and education, aiming to deepen students’ understanding of these issues.
Future Appointments to VCU Board
The VCU Board of Visitors, which is partly composed of appointees by Governor Youngkin, will see additional changes as new members are expected to join soon.
This could potentially influence future decisions regarding academic requirements and curriculum focus.
Student Reaction to Governor’s Policies
Following the announcement of the curriculum changes, over 100 students demonstrated their dissent by walking out of Governor Youngkin’s address at their commencement ceremony.
This was reported by the Washington Post as a protest over international causes and against the governor’s stance on racial equity in education.
GMU Delays Decision on DEI Curriculum
George Mason University’s interim Provost Kenneth D. Walsh conveyed a non-committal stance on the DEI curriculum mandate.
He said, “Given that fall registration opens for first-year students in a matter of weeks, we must put forward a definitive answer now. And my answer to whether to implement the requirement is neither ‘yes’ nor ‘no.’ Rather, it is ‘not yet.’”
Ongoing Debates at GMU Board of Visitors
At GMU, the Board of Visitors expressed reservations about mandating the “Just Societies” courses. These courses focus on identifying obstacles to justice and equity and strategies to address them.
The board is waiting for further discussions with the new provost and the incoming board members before making a final decision.
Statewide Educational Policies
Michael J. Meese, a committee member and Youngkin appointee, discussed the broader implications of the governor’s educational policies.
He told Inside Higher Ed, “I think it also should apply to us — that you should not have DEI offices or any other offices or any other professor that is promoting inherently divisive concepts.”
Anticipating Changes at GMU
As the academic year approaches, the George Mason University community is awaiting decisions that could significantly affect how subjects are taught.
With new leadership incoming, the discussions and decisions on the DEI curriculum mandates will be closely watched by students, faculty, and policymakers alike.
