Historian Discusses DEI Bans Through a Historical Lens
Briefly

Robert Cohen's research examines writings from 1961 by University of Georgia students reacting to integration and segregationist riots. His analysis shows a significant ignorance about the history of slavery and racism among students, a situation exacerbated by insufficient education in Georgia's K-12 schools and at UGA. Cohen correlates these historical insights to today's political climate, where debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education reflect ongoing resistance to addressing racial issues. His work emphasizes the need to confront this educational gap to understand and navigate contemporary discussions on inclusion in academia.
Cohen's analysis of student writings post-integration reveals a foundational ignorance about America's racial history among Southern university students, relevant to today’s academic debates.
Cohen argues that the lack of historical education on slavery and racism in Southern schools shapes current student perspectives and responses to DEI initiatives.
The recent political moves against diversity curricula echo historical resistance to change, as seen during the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting a persistent challenge in education.
Cohen emphasizes that understanding the past struggles against oppression can illuminate today's battles over the inclusion of diverse perspectives in academia.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
[
|
]