WCET is a national higher education technology nonprofit with college and university members from across the United States. Although the federal executive orders do not directly impact us at this time, I primarily worry about how more states might use these orders as templates for their own action. A large percentage of our membership is public colleges, universities, and higher education systems. As such, we are worried about how anti-DEI legislation and actions in those states might prevent institutions from remaining members.
Our staff has recently begun having conversations about how we talk about our work in a way that doesn't raise red flags in anti-DEI states. We are leaning in to language that talks about student access, success, and excellence for all learners.
I would love to hear how other organizations are navigating this environment, though. Our decision to talk less about equity, although I believe necessary in order to allow many of our institutions to remain members, comes with a great deal of angst.
I should also probably add that although I have been with this organization for a few years, I am only 6 weeks in my new role as executive director so this all feels a bit like trail by fire.
Van L. Davis, Ph.D.
Executive Director, WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies)
Vice President, Digital Learning, WICHE
Original Message:
Sent: 2/13/2025 11:52:00 AM
From: Lizabeth Wesely-Casella
Subject: These EOs... Creating Change & Chaos
Good morning, everyone,
Like a lot of folks, the recent EOs are hitting home in several ways. And yes, when I say "home," I mean it. My husband works with USAID contracts, so this is all a bit destabilizing.
Anyway, on the associations front, I'm curious to know if your organization is impacted by either the DEI or RTO orders. And if so, in what way?
Cheers to a robust conversation and some problem-solving where possible!
Lizabeth
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Lizabeth Wesely-Casella
Founder & CEO
L-12 Services Corp
Washington DC
(202) 415-6987
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