DEI Certificates and the Profit-Driven Exploitation of Anti-Racism

CriticalRace.org expands its database to expose schools cashing in on the "George Floyd anti-racism push" by offering DEI certificates, while San Jose State University suspends a professor for allegedly encouraging students to violate university policies at anti-Israel protests.

A watchdog organization monitoring critical race theory (CRT) curricula in higher education has expanded its database to include schools that offer diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) certificates. CriticalRace.org claims that these certificates are allowing universities to profit from the surge in demand for anti-racism education following the killing of George Floyd.

San Jose State University (SJSU) has suspended a professor, Sang Hea Kil, for allegedly telling students to violate university policies at anti-Israel protests on campus. Kil, a Justice Studies professor and former anti-racism chair, claims that the suspension is retaliation for her support of Palestinian rights.

According to the suspension letter, Kil's suspension was based on repeated violations of university policies, including directing students to violate policies, engaging in harassment and offensive conduct towards colleagues, and publicly posting inflammatory comments targeting university employees.

Kil has denied the allegations, stating that her suspension violates her constitutional rights. She claims that the university's accusations are baseless and that she did not direct students to disobey university policies.

Prior to her suspension, Kil had received warnings from university administrators against encouraging students to disregard the university's time, place, and manner policy. The administrators emphasized the importance of prioritizing student health, safety, and welfare.

Following her suspension, Kil resigned from her position as anti-racism chair of the Social Justice Transformation Committee and all committees in the Palestine, Arab, Muslim (PAM) Caucus of the California Faculty Association. In a statement on Instagram, Kil expressed gratitude to her colleagues and stated her belief in the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement.

The suspension of Kil has sparked controversy and prompted one George Washington University law professor to call on anti-Israel students to leave their "mommy and daddy" paid dorm rooms and go to Gaza. This statement highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on university campuses.

The case of Kil's suspension raises questions about the balance between academic freedom and university regulations. Some argue that Kil's suspension was an infringement on her First Amendment rights, while others maintain that universities have a responsibility to ensure that faculty members adhere to established policies.

The growth of DEI programs in higher education reflects the increasing demand for anti-racism education. However, the commercialization of DEI through the offering of certificates has raised concerns about the potential exploitation of this important movement for profit.

CriticalRace.org's database provides a valuable resource for tracking the spread of CRT and DEI curricula in higher education. By monitoring these programs, the organization aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the field of anti-racism education.