Lawmakers forum addresses university diversity

Diversity at college campuses has divided the gem state for months, but legislators at a recent panel discussion were united on one view: Universities in Idaho need to bring a larger and more diverse pool of graduates to the workforce.

More than 2,000 tech jobs go unfilled in the Idaho tech industry every year, said In Time Tec CEO Jeet Kumar in a recent interview.

As Idaho continues its rapid growth, universities are looking to create a larger pool of skilled applicants to provide local companies and companies looking to set up shop in Idaho with the workforce they need to maintain this growth. 

The Future of American Higher Education panel discussion held at Boise State University on Oct. 22 focused on a specific aspect of building up Idaho’s workforce: the impact of diversity and inclusion programs on raising enrollment and graduation rates. Panelists included Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb and Representatives Mat Erpelding, Barbara Erhardt and Bryan Zollinger. 

While Boise State University enrollment rates are on the rise, with a 19% increase over the past five years, graduation rates still hover around 40%. As universities across the country face a similar need to raise graduation rates, there has been a rise in diversity and inclusion programs to not only attract students but create an academic and campus environment that improves retention. 

The beginning of the debate

Boise State University’s diversity and inclusion efforts became the subject of debate in July as 28 Republican state legislators signed a letter to the university’s new president, Marlene Tromp, advocating against such programs. Rep. Barbara Erhardt, who penned the letter, cited one reason as the cost of increasing university staff and the impact it would have on tuition rates. The Oct. 22 panel discussion was a continuation of the discourse on the topics in the letter.

While a wide variety of aspects of college diversity and inclusion programs were debated, panelists agreed on the need for a diverse workforce in Idaho.

“It’s something that’s important to businesses, including HP, Micron and a host of other companies in the valley,” said Rep. Mat Erpelding in an interview before the panel discussion. “When we talk about diversity and inclusion in an education setting, it directly applies to major employers in our valley who see it as critical to our own workforce.”

Rep. Bryan Zollinger spoke similarly, saying that in a global economy it is important for BSU to be providing a diverse class of graduates to enter the workforce.

Diversity and inclusion programs are not just growing in higher education. Idaho businesses such as Micron and Zions Bank are adding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officers to attract and retain diverse talent. Local law firms are also focusing on diversity efforts in recruitment as well.

Public versus private funding

During the panel discussion, however, Erhardt argued that the difference between these types of programs is that corporate diversity and inclusion efforts are privately funded, whereas universities are operating on public funding.

In an interview with the Idaho Business Review, Zollinger also stressed that taxpayers want their dollars spent wisely.

“And diversity is a crucial element, but some of the programs we’re creating under the guise of diversity, I think waste those taxpayer dollars,” said Zollinger. “Creating a diverse environment doesn’t mean bloating bureaucracy at a university.”

Although House Republicans Tammy Nichols and Chad Christensen have publicly suggested defunding Boise State University, Erhardt and Zollinger said they were unaware of such statements and would not support defunding the university. Their focus remains the allocation of funding for what Zollinger cited as 20 new positions being created by diversity and inclusion programs.

Buckner-Webb and Erpelding argued that these programs are investments and the positions are important to creating an education for students that prepares them to work in the global economy.

“Inclusion is absolutely critical to get the best outcomes from groups,” said Buckner-Webb in an interview with the Idaho Business Review before the discussion. “Inclusion is critical for success in the workplace, in the education environment and the marketplace.”

Erpelding also said that these programs create an incentive for students to attend a university. “The reality is that the college student today is a discerning consumer.”

Moving forward

The Oct. 22 discussion was held to educate students on the views of lawmakers on both sides of the issue. And although no talk of specific legislation was covered, the debate will be ongoing heading into 2020.

According to the Twin Falls Times-News, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle said at a Twin Falls town hall meeting hosted by House Republicans leaders that they will likely be introducing a bill addressing BSU’s diversity and inclusion programs in the upcoming legislative session.

This article was updated to correct the spelling of a name.