The Higher Ed Equity Network works to create a more equitable higher education system with an intentional focus on the needs of Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, and other students who are harmed by persistent systemic barriers linked to their racial and ethnic identities.
Far too many Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, and other students are being harmed by persistent systemic barriers linked to their racial and ethnic identities. Broad strategies to help all students that ignore race have shown that rising tides do not lift all boats. This is not only true in regard to degree attainment. Black, Latino/a/x, and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff are also experiencing disparities in hiring, wages, and career advancement. To achieve racial equity, we must be explicit about race and confront systems that were never designed for Black, Latino/a/x, and Indigenous students.
The Higher Ed Equity Network brings together organizations and leaders with a wide array of expertise and a deep commitment to addressing the unique needs of Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, and other students who are harmed by persistent systemic barriers linked to their racial and ethnic identities. Together, we:
We believe that higher education can and will serve as a path to economic and social mobility for students of all backgrounds, a foundation for families, and an anchor point for community prosperity. This is difficult work that will take time and coordination. We will help create a more just system that connects Black, Latino/a/x, and Indigenous students with jobs, equitable wages, and opportunities for career advancement, so they can engage all of their creativity, resilience, and intelligence on their passions - instead of overcoming racial barriers to success.
• <ul> <li>Identify issues where together we can do more than any organization can achieve alone.</li> <li>Share challenges and lessons from across the country and our respective focus areas.</li> <li>Reimagine policies and practices to drive equitable change.</li> <li>Call upon systems and institutions to dismantle racist structures and systems, and design practices that provide equal opportunity to credentials of value for Black, Latino/a/x, and Indigenous students.</li> </ul>
• <p>We call upon systems and institutions to analyze their programs and outcomes, identify patterns of disparities, dismantle racist structures and systems, and implement practices that provide equal opportunity to credentials of value for Black, Latino/a/x, and Indigenous students.</p>
• <p>To leaders at the federal, state, higher education system, and institutional levels, we elevate policies that deliver equitable value for students. We spotlight practices that improve student advising, streamline pathways to certificates and degrees of values, and support student transfers and student success.</p>