UMW SGA President signs letter to governor in favor of DEI

by ALEXA DELACONCEPCIO

Staff Writer

On Oct. 22, student body presidents from 10 Virginia public universities, including the University of Mary Washington, devised a letter to the Governor of Virginia, Glenn Youngkin, to address recent concerns regarding the longevity of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs at public institutions. 

UMW Student Government Association President Will Thompson, a senior international business major and signatory to the letter, emphasized that working with the Coalition of Student Body Presidents is an opportunity for Mary Washington students to converse with other universities and with the Governor about topics that students care about.

“I have learned a ton from my experiences as a student-athlete and representative to programs all across campus, and constantly look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the programs we offer and how they benefit our students every day,” he said.

The letter’s signees also included representatives from the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, James Madison University, Longwood University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Norfolk State University, Christopher Newport University and the College of William and Mary.

“We must foster an environment of constructive critique and open dialogue to promote progress and build a world where we can work together,” the letter states. “Without it, prejudice takes hold, dividing us into opposing factions and hindering our collective efforts to support students’ well-being and academic success in the Commonwealth.”

Junior nursing major Kiara Turner, who is the social media coordinator for the Black Student Association, emphasized the challenges associated with being a student of color at a predominantly white institution and the importance of DEI programs to foster inclusivity.

“I believe if our DEI initiatives were taken away, many students part of a minority group would feel isolated from those who relate to them,” she said.

The letter echoes Turner and says that the absence of support systems created using DEI programs would harm students and make the college experience more challenging. 

“Being a minority at a PWI is challenging especially when you feel different from those around you,” she said.

Junior psychology major Marissa Cranford, who works as a student aide in the UMW Office of Disability Resources, says that she has seen firsthand how DEI programs and the resources derived from these programs can benefit the campus community.

“I do believe they are important,” she said. “It helps foster an environment that supports and respects everyone. It allows all students to receive a fair education.”

According to UMW’s Diversity and Inclusion, the university is committed to creating a community that is diverse, inclusive and affirming to all individuals. UMW has programs, events and offices such as Disability Resources, the James Farmer Multicultural Center, Safe Zone and Title IX, dedicated to providing resources to all students.

“Every student should feel cared for, supported, and protected by their school. University is already hard enough,” Cranford said. “You shouldn’t have to worry about being discriminated against or not having the proper accommodations to receive an equitable education.”

Concerns regarding the future of these programs have been ongoing since Youngkin was elected in 2021. Earlier this year, Youngkin’s education secretary’s office reviewed syllabi from classes related to diversity at GMU and VCU, worrying some educators about the future of these curricula. 

Similar concerns were raised after Virginia’s Chief Diversity Officer Martin D. Brown, who was appointed by Youngkin, stated that “DEI is dead” at an annual “inclusive excellence” training for Virginia Military Institute staff in April 2023. 

The letter concluded with a request to meet with Youngkin to discuss students’ experiences at the universities and to ensure that student voices are actively heard and prioritized in decisions that shape our education and future. 
In response, Youngkin’s Press Secretary, Christian Martinez told WFXR News, “Since day one, Governor Younkin has prioritized students by making historic investments in education to create vibrant, safe learning environments while focusing on mental health solutions and fostering a culture that embraces freedom of expression and diversity of thought. The Governor continues to focus on actions that make schools and higher education institutions welcoming for all students.”