This pandemic is fast becoming a defining world moment for our Generation Z students, much as 9/11 was for millennials. Too often in times of crisis, however, it is the under-represented and marginalized who bear the brunt of sudden change. Classes shift to online as some students return home to technology deserts. If we are not vigilant, a new era of bias incidents can escalate, and we may even lose an entire generation of diverse college graduates.
This paper presents the COVID-19 DEI Crisis Action Framework as a model for taking action and includes dozens of ideas and tips for on-the-ground implementation, plus resources from around the country. Its goal is to help structure your leadership, decision-making and approach to managing this crisis for the weeks and months ahead in a way that includes all community members as we shift quickly to distance learning/working to ensure everyone’s safety.