Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has expressed concern about the troubling influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideology in higher education. In an op-ed for the Washington Examiner, Cassidy highlighted that colleges have been prioritizing funding for DEI administration and programs, while investments in actual education have decreased. This shift in priorities has resulted in higher tuition costs for families and taxpayers subsidizing administrative expenses.

Cassidy pointed out that despite the significant time and resources invested in promoting DEI policies, discrimination against students continues to occur on campuses. He specifically mentioned the discrimination faced by Jewish students in the aftermath of Hamas' massacre in Israel on October 7th. Cassidy emphasized that DEI, which aims to promote inclusivity, is paradoxically leading to the division of campuses and the classification of students based on their race and heritage.

The senator further criticized the increasing administrative costs in higher education, which have not translated into improved education. From 2015 to 2020, public universities increased administrative spending by 6.6% while decreasing funding for actual learning by 1.6%. These funds are being directed towards DEI programs that do not contribute to students' educational success.

In response to the lack of support for Jewish students and the unawareness of reporting discrimination, Cassidy introduced legislation that requires colleges to inform students on how to file federal civil rights complaints. This legislative effort aims to empower students and ensure their safety on campus.

Cassidy concluded his op-ed by urging families to consider the discriminatory practices promoted by DEI when choosing universities. He also emphasized the need for Congress to scrutinize the activities of these institutions and ensure that federal funding is directed towards improving learning, rather than promoting divisive ideologies.

As the lead Republican of the Senate's education committee, Cassidy pledged to examine university spending and ensure that federal dollars are used to enhance student success and safety, rather than fund divisive ideologies like DEI.