EWU Policy 402-02: Diversity & Nondiscrimination (Draft)

3 thoughts on “EWU Policy 402-02: Diversity & Nondiscrimination (Draft)”

1. It disgusts me that EWU is removing the language of “diversity” from their policy. This shows capitulation with illegal federal declarations and attacks on diversity and equity, of which there is a long history of intensive academic research on as critical efforts in academia. I understand that EWU is afraid of being targeted and would have difficulty with such targeting as a smaller institution with limited financial means; however, this is a moment in history, and it will not be looked upon kindly for those who followed suit with an unethical aspiring dictator. I think we can and should do better.

   The line, “EWU is committed to equal opportunity and the fair treatment of everyone” is grossly out of date. This is the language of the 80’s and 90’s. We know, for a fact, that “equal opportunity” does not lead to equity, in fact “equal opportunity” leads to inequity as it does not account for historical wrongs and inequities, which EWU and its students are no stranger to. Further, the erasure of the section 1-2 “Commitment to Equal Opportunity” speaks volumes about EWU’s lack of commitment to supporting students of color and other students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Again, I get the cowering in a dangerous time, though I think this behavior will have limited effect on preventing harm.

   Thank you for keeping immigration/citizenship status, gender identity, and sexual orientation in protected classes. And for a harassment definition that includes misgendering or dead-naming someone. I also applaud the continued validation and support for students to use bathrooms consistent with their gender identity.

   I am concerned about the “eligibility requirements of the National College Athletic Association” – if this means you will only look at the general eligibility requirements such as GPA, then I think this is great. If instead this means you will follow the NCAA’s policy the does not allow those assigned male at birth to participate in women’s sports even if they identify as a woman, then this is unacceptable and discriminatory. I don’t care who is president or what legal action you fear, would you do the same if suddenly women were no longer allowed to participate in any sports? Would you allow certain racial groups or people with disabilities to be disallowed from participation? If not, then this too cannot be allowed. Transgender women are women, period. They deserve to participate in sports that align with their gender identity. I get that people don’t like this and have misgivings or misunderstandings about this, but to refuse to allow transgender women to participate in women’s sports is not okay and causes harm and don’t allow yourself to think otherwise.

2. What happened to EWU being a place that is proud of having a “diverse student body” as well as diversity being championed? The striking of the language regarding student diversity is alarming as this goes against what EWU represents. I hope you will consider that the federal situation is not a permanent one and we don’t want to be too reactive in striking language about diversity that in a few years we are having to go back and put in. It’s important to keep to what EWU’s mission is in the policy as well as being willing to stand behind the original language regardless of oppositional forces.

3. This policy is problematic on several levels. It is part of structural changes at EWU that move the institution away from its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, civil rights protections, and equal opportunity. There are a number of ways in which these changes contradict, and potentially violate, Washington policy governing state institutions. Making these changes opens EWU up for potential legal action by students or employees whose rights would be put at risk.

   Structurally, EWU has chosen to eliminate the position of Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. This position, which was instituted due to student demand, has been vacant since Dr. Shari Clarke resigned in June 2023. CORE Perspectives was hired for $115,000 to gather information on Eastern’s diversity infrastructure and make recommendations. They offered three models, none of which was to eliminate the VP of Diversity position and replace it with a “VP of People & Culture.” The title of this position is part of a reversal of structural support for diversity, equity and inclusion – apparently, it’s a way to comply in advance with the federal administration’s unlawful executive actions.

   Further, this new position of VP of People & Culture is also being used as a mechanism to eliminate the position of Associate Vice President of Civil Rights. EWU has had an AVP of Civil Rights, Compliance & Business Services for many years. With this structural change, Civil Rights protections are demoted from the level of AVP to a far less powerful Director position. So, instead of having the VP for Diversity & Inclusion responsible for diversity efforts and the AVP for Civil Rights responsible for nondiscrimination efforts, Eastern has chosen to create a new position with a meaningless title responsible for both.

   The suggested changes to the policy itself are very concerning. “Diversity” is stricken from the title, and these are some of the most egregious changes in the body of the policy:
   • Purpose: Strikes “Diversity, nondiscrimination, equal opportunity & affirmative action”
   • 1-1 Commitments: strikes “diversity and inclusion” and all language about diversity, diverse society, diverse workforce, diverse student body…; moves responsibility from VP of Diversity to VP for People & Culture
   • 1-2 Commitment to Equal Opportunity: section completely eliminated
   • 2-2 moves responsibility from AVP of Civil Rights to VP for People & Culture
   • 6 Athletics Participation: requires transgender students who want to participate in intercollegiate athletics to meet all eligibility requirements of the NCAA. Those requirements were changed in Feb 2025 to comply with Trump administration executive actions banning trans athletes. That would violate state law, as the recent decision by the WIAA made clear.

   These suggested rollbacks in EWU’s commitments should not happen quickly under cover of the summer when faculty, staff and students are unable to give them attention.