Very few American college leaders have resisted the temptation to signal their “progressive” virtue by adopting various stances and policies. One that has clearly fallen for “wokeness” is Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C.
In today’s Martin Center article, Ashlynn Warta writes about the transformation of Meredith. It was founded as a women’s college with a clearly Christian focus in 1899. By the early years of this century, however, Meredith was starting to downplay that original Christian orientation, emphasizing instead its commitment to religious diversity.
And now comes the inevitable “antiracism” stuff.
Warta writes that, “The latest news from the school’s website points to the adoption of the ‘woke’ agenda. When referencing a university or college website, one would expect to see information about the degrees offered, how the school ranks among others, the rigor of its classes, and perhaps even some “perks” for attending the school (why should I choose this school over another?). Upon visiting Meredith’s website, however, one is met with announcements about its anti-racism initiative, the changing of a building name because of the namesake’s history, and the hiring of a new DEI coordinator. It’s clear that the school’s focus is shifting.”
Indeed so. Once you have a DEI coordinator, the plunge into the waste and folly of the great diversity obsession is inevitable. Such people always find ways to look busy and important with new programs and initiatives.
Warta rightly concludes that, “The university’s primary focus should be on educating students and preparing them for the challenges they will meet in the world. The job of a university is to teach students to be independent thinkers, provide them with opportunities for growth, and encourage them to be better citizens. There is no room in the university’s mission to pander to culturally expedient aims or to virtue signal its commitment to DEI while neglecting the true purpose of higher education.”