Academic Leaders Face Pressure to Dismantle Diverse Degree Programs
Academic leaders are under pressure to dismantle degree programs reflecting demographic and scholarly diversity, such as women's, gender, and sexuality studies (WGS), due to the Trump administration's attempts to withdraw funds and prohibit diversity practices. Four professors recently signed a statement condemning this 'unprecedented government overreach'.
High-profile closures and mergers of WGS programs have occurred across North America, including at New College of Florida, Ball State University, and York University. Despite this, student interest in these fields remains high, indicating their academic value. Market intelligence firms recognize the cost-effectiveness and asset value of small interdisciplinary programs like WGS. However, some academic leaders make decisions based solely on graduation numbers or false equivalencies, ignoring the broader contributions of these programs.
By 2018, around 13% of WGS programs had lost their independent status, with more consolidations occurring during COVID, such as at Purdue University and the University of Iowa. Academic leaders must consider the long-term resilience of their institutions when making decisions about these influential programs.
The legacy of academic leaders' decisions regarding the survival and thriving of WGS programs will significantly impact the future of their institutions. They must stand against political interference, consider the broader contributions of these programs, and make informed decisions that prioritize academic diversity and resilience.
