Can University Leaders Guide America Through Crisis?

Universities across the United States are grappling with significant pressures, including widespread protests, budgetary constraints, and direct political involvement from the federal government. Beverly Daniel Tatum serves as the president emerita of Spelman College and is the author of the highly

Universities across the United States are grappling with significant pressures, including widespread protests, budgetary constraints, and direct political involvement from the federal government.

Beverly Daniel Tatum serves as the president emerita of Spelman College and is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race. Her latest publication, Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times, presents authentic case studies of academic administrators who effectively navigated these difficulties, ultimately reshaping their institutions for the better.

Leveraging her extensive background as a psychology instructor in higher education, a board trustee, and a college president, Dr. Tatum provides a comprehensive examination of the contemporary landscape in postsecondary education. Her insights span a wide array of issues, from safeguarding free expression amid campus demonstrations related to the War on Gaza to strategically redirecting Spelman College's funds in 2012 toward an expansive wellness program that replaced competitive sports with inclusive fitness opportunities for the entire campus community.

We engaged in a discussion about her recent book and the role that institutional leaders can play in navigating the current unrest. What follows is our dialogue, refined for conciseness and clarity.

Progress in National Discussions on Race Over the Past 25+ Years

Hope Reese: Your groundbreaking 1997 book, Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria, marked a pivotal moment. Over a quarter of a century later, how would you assess the evolution of public discourse on racial matters in America?

Beverly Tatum: The demographic landscape of the United States has shifted dramatically since 1997, with a surge in immigration from countries such as India and China, alongside rapid growth in the Hispanic community. Currently, the overall population is roughly 50% white or slightly below that figure, while school-aged children from communities of color now constitute the majority.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, ushered in a period of national trauma, followed by prolonged military engagements and the severe economic downturn of 2008. These crises—marked by economic insecurity and international conflicts—created an environment where engaging in meaningful conversations about race became exceedingly difficult.

Advancing to Barack Obama's presidential victory, many viewed it as the fruition of decades-long civil rights struggles. However, this milestone triggered a fierce backlash, exemplified by the emergence of the Tea Party, overt racial targeting of Obama, his spouse, and their family. This tension escalated further with Donald Trump's presidency, whose campaign launch immediately invoked racially charged imagery and rhetoric. Consequently, dialogues on race have intensified in difficulty, mirroring the deepening divisions across the country.

The Impact of George Floyd's Killing Amid Shifting Political Winds

HR: Layered upon these leadership transitions and ongoing conflicts was the devastating murder of George Floyd.

BT: Precisely. Following Trump's initial election, discussions around race plummeted sharply. During his first administration, directives from the federal level discouraged any mention of race or concepts like privilege, with specific terminology even banned from official use. Yet, the George Floyd incident—a profoundly shocking event disseminated instantly via social media on countless devices—sparked a widespread resurgence in racial awareness and consciousness among the public.

Consequences of Attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

HR: Former President Trump has aggressively targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts on college campuses. What tangible impacts have emerged from these actions?

BT: Early in his tenure, Trump enacted an executive order explicitly opposing DEI initiatives. A particularly disheartening response has come from higher education institutions themselves, which have often overreacted in compliance to avoid scrutiny. Institutions have scrubbed DEI references from their websites, rebranded or dismantled programs entirely. In numerous instances, dedicated offices for diversity, equity, and inclusion have been outright eliminated, renamed, or shuffled into other departments.

This approach carries significant drawbacks. Consider a staff member previously dedicated to DEI work, now relocated to an undergraduate dean's office; students facing exclusion or marginalization may struggle to locate and access that support. Similarly, groups like Black Student Unions, which once received modest funding from student affairs for events, now find those resources severed, placing additional strain on already burdened students while undermining their feelings of community and belonging.

The fear of hefty penalties, accreditation threats, or federal targeting has instilled caution, especially at public universities, profoundly affecting the daily experiences of students.

Classroom Dynamics Under Threat from Political Restrictions

HR: How has this climate affected teaching and learning inside the classroom?

BT: Faculty now operate in an atmosphere of apprehension. Restrictions on discussing specific topics have eroded free speech and academic freedom. In states like Georgia, legislation prohibits instruction on so-called “divisive concepts.” But what qualifies as divisive? Teaching authentic American history inevitably confronts myths surrounding the Confederacy—could that be deemed unlawful? There are documented instances where professors have been pulled from courses after students complained that content violated these vague statutes. This era feels profoundly unstable for educators. In certain states, I question whether I could still deliver my “psychology of race” course without risk.

Overcoming Resistance to DEI and Strategies for Promotion

HR: What fuels such vehement opposition to DEI, and how can colleges advance these principles effectively?

BT: Bold leadership is essential. We must reshape the narrative surrounding DEI. The acronyms themselves provoke discomfort for some; “diversity” can make white, male, heterosexual individuals feel overlooked. Yet diversity truly encompasses all identities. The onus lies with us in how we wield the term—often it's a euphemism for race, as when “diverse candidates” really means candidates of color. Clarity in language is key: say what you mean directly.

Inclusion remains paramount. People instinctively seek representation in images and materials; its absence breeds self-doubt among marginalized groups. Campus leaders should probe: Who is absent from our visuals and narratives? They can cultivate belonging through their rhetoric, hiring practices, and resource allocation.

For instance, to boost STEM engagement among students of color, campuses could fund faculty training in inclusive teaching methods from recognized experts. Establishing a lecture series featuring diverse STEM luminaries would provide inspiration. Recognizing and resourcing effective mentors of underrepresented students underscores institutional priorities. Additionally, programs linking alumni with current students can amplify visibility for these communities, fostering lasting networks.

Managing Campus Polarization and Protests, Such as Those Over Gaza

HR: How should universities address acute divisions manifesting in protests, like those concerning the War on Gaza?

BT: Fostering dialogue is crucial. Institutions must nurture a culture where civil exchange is the norm. Regarding Gaza-related unrest, some campuses excelled by supporting student-led initiatives, such as a group comprising one Jewish student and one Palestinian American who created Atidna—a space evoking “our future” in Hebrew. These students bridged divides between pro-Palestinian and Jewish peers largely independently, yet it exemplifies a replicable model for universities.

Leaders can amplify such efforts by funding events, attending discussions, and empowering their teams, students, and faculty. Demonstrate that disagreement with administration is feasible and valued. Provide platforms for student voices without overreacting to expressions of dissent.

Spelman College's Bold Shift from Sports to Wellness

HR: In 2012, as Spelman's president, you redirected the NCAA athletics budget toward a comprehensive wellness program. What were the outcomes, and key takeaways?

BT: Competitive intercollegiate sports played a minimal role in student life at Spelman, prompting questions about the expenditure. Attendance at games was low, and participation limited—yet the change stirred debate. Student athletes voiced strong opposition, and misconceptions persisted about nonexistent NCAA scholarships.

Success hinged on messaging: we emphasized gains over losses. The reallocated funds enabled wellness offerings for every student, addressing urgent health needs among Black women through enhanced physical activity, yoga, meditation, and sound healing. The primary lesson? Effective communication is transformative.

Navigating the Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

HR: AI has rapidly permeated college environments. Your perspective on this development?

BT: The pace of AI integration has been astonishing. By spring 2023, faculty debates centered on preventing cheating. Now, the focus has matured to teaching ethical AI use. Campuses must prioritize faculty training to harness AI beneficially for learners.

Broader implications loom: How will AI reshape employment? Society must adapt for those displaced by automation. Colleges are ideally positioned to interrogate humanity's essence in an AI era—emphasizing enduring skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and compassion.

Mastering dialogue cultivates empathy and shared understanding—human strengths AI has yet to replicate. Amid these uncertainties, no setting surpasses a university for such vital explorations.