University leaders seeking support from donors must present the impact of certain programming tactfully.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, which has the most Pell Grant recipients in the state system, must carefully communicate how affordability and diversity initiatives contribute to the state’s success, says Jones.Those conversations must take place in the backdrop of increased state and federal efforts to end DEI initiatives. “It’s about going back to your mission,” while avoiding “DEI terms,” says Jones. A diverse student body exposes students to more viewpoints, which “makes critical thinking even more important.”
