John Sailer Takes a Stand Against DEI: Anticipating Its Resurgence

Manhattan Institute’s Focus on DEI in Higher Education Faces New Challenges

For the past three years, John D. Sailer, the director of higher-education policy at the Manhattan Institute, has dedicated his efforts to reshaping college environments away from racial and social-justice activism, advocating instead for a race-blind framework in higher education. The Manhattan Institute has actively pursued this agenda through the implementation of anti-DEI model legislation, thorough investigations into university hiring practices, and vigorous social media campaigns against university leaders perceived as supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

However, with Democrats recently taking control of both congressional chambers and a majority of governorships, Sailer expressed concerns on social media about the potential resurgence of DEI policies. He remarked, “DEI is likely on its way back.”

The reality for higher education institutions is more complex. Since the beginning of 2023, 34 state legislatures have enacted anti-DEI laws that prohibit diversity programs, training, and statements, while also limiting how educators discuss race, gender, and identity in academic settings. Institutions are also under the threat of federal scrutiny and possible funding revocation concerning their DEI initiatives, particularly during the Trump administration.

The impact of the newly formed Democratic leadership on college administrations remains uncertain. In a recent interview with The Chronicle, Sailer reflected on the implications of the midterm elections on the conservative reform movement and the likelihood of previously rejected policies making a comeback.

Reflections on the Midterm Election

Sailer acknowledged the challenges in interpreting the results of the midterms. He noted that every university functions as a unique political arena, where pressures against DEI help moderate factions on campus. Administrators may use the current political atmosphere to advocate for the reduction of specific diversity policies and curriculum changes.

Organizations such as the American Association of University Professors and the Alliance for Higher Education are actively working to revive DEI initiatives, albeit without overtly using that terminology. They appear to seek the reinstatement of many policies previously challenged by reform advocates. While some universities may leverage this political shift to enhance their diversity initiatives, the overall impact is likely to vary significantly across different campuses.

The Landscape Ahead

Sailer emphasized that he remains skeptical about a wholesale return of DEI policies to campuses. He pointed out that many recent reforms by universities were voluntary rather than mandated by law, driven by an interpretation of the political climate rather than legal requirements. He questioned whether college leaders were truly prepared to reinstate policies that had previously faced opposition.

Geographically, the perception of DEI’s future may differ significantly among institutions. Universities in solidly red states may respond differently than those in blue or purple states. For example, California’s University of California system recently faced backlash after it suspended diversity hiring incentives for postdoctoral positions, suggesting that faculty can still influence policy changes.

In a subsequent discussion, Sailer reflected on the need for the reform movement to adapt its messaging in response to political realities. He underscored that the public appears averse to extreme measures, which could impact the effectiveness of the reform agenda if not approached judiciously.

Concerns for the Future

Sailer conveyed his unease about the aggressive nature of some reform efforts, which he fears could hinder the movement’s credibility. He stated that educational discourse should center on fostering critical thinking and revisiting foundational texts rather than engaging in polarizing culture war tactics.

Looking ahead to the coming year, Sailer plans to remain focused on advocating for educational rigor and addressing the disconnect between university faculty and the broader public. He believes there is an opportunity to find common ground on higher education issues, despite increased polarization.

In conclusion, while the recent election outcomes may have caught Sailer by surprise, he remains committed to navigating the complexities of educational reform, advocating for clarity on what constitutes quality higher education in an evolving political landscape.