What's Up in The Academy?

What's Up in The Academy?

Mission as the Anchor

Strong Navigation Through Anti-Woke Waters

Dr. Laura De Veau's avatar
Dr. Laura De Veau
Jul 25, 2025
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With this week’s news that the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) is immediately suspending DEI-related accreditation provisions—and with the Trump administration intensifying scrutiny of equity practices—higher education leaders find themselves navigating increasingly hostile waters. In this climate, doubling down on institutional mission may be the most resilient strategy for weathering attacks and safeguarding core commitments.

“No person, entity, or agenda should come before an institution’s defined purpose, as declared by the mission statement. Courageous leadership demands a keen awareness of the critical mission bestowed and uses it as the framework for all actions and decisions.” — President Mordecai Ian Brownlee, Community College of Aurora

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© 2025 Laura A. De Veau, Ed.D.
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