ETSU Doubles Down On Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Efforts After Acknowledging Lack Of Positive Outcomes

Image Credit: Jimmy Emerson, DVM / CC

The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is “shooting for the moon” with updated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts outlined in the institution’s strategic plan through 2026.

Strictly based on The University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s DEI infrastructure trajectory over the last several years, it looks like ETSU could achieve a fully built-out DEI infrastructure within the next three years. 

It was recently reported that in ETSU’s April 3^rd edition of their Office of Equity and Inclusion Newsletter, the school’s VP for Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Keith Johnson, reflected on the lack of positive outcomes regarding DEI efforts and suggested that there should be consequences if an institution does not achieve DEI performance goals. 

This year, the Tennessee General Assembly considered a few pieces of legislation, including HB1376/SB0817 and HB0158/SB0102, to combat DEI efforts in both higher education and K-12 education. 

HB2670/SB2290 was also passed back in 2022 with the same goal in mind. 

Regardless, ETSU has doubled down and joined schools across NJ, PA, NC, LA, WI, CO, OR, and KY, in securing a partnership with Moon Shot for Equity in order to cement these DEI concepts into the university’s operational and educational endeavors. 

Moon Shot for Equity is a public-private partnership program devoted specifically to the success of DEI initiatives through the elimination of what they call “equity gaps” in the realm of higher education. 

The partnership requires each region or individual school to deploy Moon Shot for Equity’s “fifteen best practices and policies proven to substantially boost equity and to be mutually beneficial to their student populations.”

Each institution must also collect and share data with other partnered institutions, convene with the network quarterly, and adhere to the initiative and implementation timetable established by Moon Shot for Equity.

Through this partnership ETSU policies and processes regarding admissions, financial aid, advising, student engagement, and “climate” will be reworked in order to close any “equity gaps” present.

The invasive nature of the ideology behind DEI efforts is reflected in ETSU’s strategic plan. The Moon Shot for Equity partnership is listed under almost every aspect of the plan including access and success, teaching excellence, empowered employees, community stewardship, and of course equity and inclusion. 

Research and innovation as well as fiscal responsibility and operational excellence are the only parts of ETSU’s plan not directly impacted by the Moon Shot for Equity program, though indirect impact could very well be a concern. 

Even though ETSU is currently the only Tennessee school associated with this specific partnership program, the state’s student population remains under ideological attack on a regular basis.  

As DEI efforts continue to ravage schools and the workplace nationwide, point your fingers towards the education system folks. From the looks of it, many public and private institutions of higher education like ETSU are vehemently committed to making DEI efforts a priority in their educational and operational outlooks. 

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.