We should thank Congress for showing the world that there is no viewpoint diversity or principled neutrality in higher education. What happens in higher ed trickles down to K-12 because these important institutions share many of the same structures and characteristics.
We launched Parents Unite because DEI, which has been prevalent in independent schools for years, became about teaching students to hate themselves, each other, and their country. What could we do? We went to one source of the problem, accreditors, because...
"We cannot continue to watch children and students at your schools be shamed, ridiculed, singled out, and targeted because they don’t follow 'popular' opinions."
On May 11, 2021, we sent a letter to accreditors asking them to take a principled stand in favor of free speech and to encourage diversity of thought. We suggested two things:
As part of the accreditation process, schools must create, promote, and honor their own versions of the Chicago Statement, which will compel institutions to protect the free expression rights of students, faculty, staff, and parents.
Schools must commit to engaging presenters who represent diverse viewpoints to speak to faculty, parents, and students and to prioritize professional development in this area so teachers have the tools to facilitate class discussions and promote critical thinking.
The accreditors responded by saying:
Their accreditation protocols are aligned with the ICAISA Core Standards, one of which states, "the mission of the school is congruent with principles of academic scholarship, permitting and encouraging freedom of inquiry, diversity of viewpoints, and independent and critical thinking."
As part of the NEASC accreditation protocol, schools must show a commitment to "'broadening students’ perspectives' and demonstrate that 'every aspect of the program reflects awareness of and commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion.'"
We wrote back to the accreditors asking to discuss standards that require transparency around diversity of thought. The accreditors responded, reiterating the defense of their process and that their "standards ensure that the school’s mission, program, and student experience are aligned. Schools are asked to show a commitment to 'broadening students’ perspectives' and demonstrate that 'every aspect of the program reflects awareness of and commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion.'"
However, we know that schools cannot pursue truth while also prioritizing social justice. The chilling of speech (a product of DEI) has contributed to students showing up on campus unable to think for themselves. Bad governance (specifically trustee leadership) is part of the problem. Boards have no viewpoint diversity and lack the courage to do what’s best for the school. Parents should ask them if they are upholding the school’s mission.
How To Fix This?
It shouldn’t require courage to tell the truth and ask thoughtful questions. The door has been kicked open, so the cost of speaking up is no longer so steep.
Start by asking the question, "How does my school show that they value diversity of thought?" While Claudine Gay acknowledged that words matter, actions speak louder than words.
Here are some videos of people tackling important topics with scholarship, integrity, and rigor. It’s time to bring them to campus.
Parents Unite YouTube Channel
Parents Unite On Spotify
