Distraction, discrimination, and dismantling democracy
Justice, peace, and prosperity are on the line. And our attention, as our freedom, is not for sale.
It continues to hit home. Our week held multiple conversations about the federal government’s attempts to shut down any mention of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education by threatening the loss of federal funding. The “dear colleague” letter from the Department of Education used similar vague language as previous notices about federal grant funding. It purports to require compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws (Title VI), and indicates that (essentially) any mention or education about racial or ethnic based disparities are likely to be considered in violation of those laws.
This goes well beyond the Supreme Court decision about considering race in admissions. It strikes at the heart of the independence of colleges and universities to teach about - and engage in solutions for - historical and systemic racism.
If you want to know what a dictator fears most, look carefully at what they try to stop you from talking about, reading about, and learning about.
In some ways, this assault on academic integrity and freedom is part of the larger culture war distraction strategy: by throwing dozens of metaphorical grenades into the field, the attacker hopes we do not keep our attention on them as they loot the Treasury of valuable data about all Americans. They hope we do not keep our attention on their rampage through international norms and alliances, their stripping of our country’s two means of defense: capable, independent military leaders and trusted allies.
And in our attention economy, directing the focus of the American people away or toward what the powerful class wants us to ignore or obsess about is a monetized strategy.
The damage caused by the distraction grenades is real and lasting. Too many people in our communities and across the globe are suffering. Cracks are already showing, however. Approval ratings for the billionaire and the president he purchased are at historic lows as their slash-and-burn crime spree impacts communities that voted heavily Republican. People are showing up all across the country to demand their Congressional representatives do their job of upholding the Constitution.
Be one of them - show up, stand up, speak up. Now is the time to refuse the invitation to despair that despots rely on. Call, email, march, protest, demonstrate. Be counted.
Justice, peace, and prosperity are on the line. We will stand with them, with the majority who did not vote for this and who reject the dismantling of our free and fair democracy. Our attention, as our freedom, is not for sale.
Be safe and well, and take heart. Sources and resources are below the photo.
https://www.ccdaily.com/2025/02/what-the-feb-14-dear-colleague-letter-means-for-community-colleges/