Rep. Campbell Supports Unity to Defend and Protect Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
ATLANTA – State Representative Lisa Campbell (D-Kennesaw) today issued the following statement on Kennesaw State University’s (KSU) recent changes:
“KSU has announced the ending of three degree majors, Philosophy, Technical Communications and Black Studies, and proposed a new model for student engagement and support. As the Georgia House Representative for KSU, with a long-standing relationship and deep respect for KSU, as well as a defender of equal rights, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, I want to share my thoughts about this important moment impacting not only KSU but ALL of our state’s universities, schools, businesses, governments and communities.
KSU is one of our state’s most valuable contributors, making an impact as the third largest university in Georgia, with more than 47,000 students enrolled in 190 undergraduate, master’s, doctoral degree and certificate programs. During my tenure as a State House representative, I’ve had the honor of working with KSU leadership, faculty, staff, students and alumni. I have witnessed their mission in action to ‘transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity.’ Through this up-close experience, I have built trust in President Schwaig’s leadership and vision for building a positive, sustainable learning environment; I have come to regard KSU’s educators as preeminent leaders in our system of higher education, and I am continuously inspired by KSU’s students who are leading the way forward with courage, creativity and collaboration.
Both with the KSU leadership team directly and during my legislative work this session, I have been unequivocal in my opposition to President Trump’s harmful federal anti-DEI policies. I have also opposed GOP-led state initiatives including HB 1084 (‘divisive concepts’) designed to dismantle equitable access to education, restrict the freedom to learn and roll back progress. The Georgia Board of Regents, state legislation and federal orders to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are destructive to the integrity and quality of our educational institutions, workplaces and communities. These demands are a threat to the students, educators and university leaders who have worked for equity and inclusiveness in education at every level.
Today, I ask Georgia’s Governor Kemp, Speaker Burns, Lieutenant Governor Jones, Chancellor Perdue and the Georgia Board of Regents to repeal anti-DEI policies and unite in opposition to federal attempts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools, businesses, governments and communities. I have and will continue to encourage all universities, schools, businesses and individuals to say ‘NO’ firmly when asked to end diversity, equity and inclusivity. I will continue to urge leaders to instead say ‘YES’ to unifying and strengthening efforts to expand access to education.
Last year, I participated in a Georgia House Democratic Caucus DEI Committee, co-hosting three listening sessions across the state and was proud to sponsor, along with my colleagues, House Resolution 394 to affirm our legislative commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as an essential foundation for achieving the American Dream. We hosted a press conference during the legislative session with our partners and allies to speak out about the federal acts to erase DEI programs and to stop attacks on civil rights, which are harmful to the wellbeing of our people and the overall health of our economy.
Attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion impact all of us. Although we have made strides in achieving equity and inclusion for our marginalized communities in Georgia, we still face significant challenges.
The state of Georgia has long been a beacon of opportunity for so many, from immigrants seeking freedom to families building better lives. We cannot be passive, letting fear and division erode this promise. I call on my fellow lawmakers, community leaders and all Georgians to stand together in defending DEI and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to learn about their history and culture, see themselves reflected on campus and in the workplace, have a seat at the tables where decisions are made, trust that their rights and due process will be respected, speak up without fear of retribution, depend on safe spaces that welcome all to learn and have equitable access to the resources needed to experience, grow and succeed. Together, with our voices and our votes, we can build a diverse, equitable and inclusive Georgia that works for all of us. The growth of our students, the prosperity of our state and the wellbeing of our citizens depend on us.”
Representative Lisa Campbell represents the citizens of District 35, which includes a portion of Cobb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Human Relations & Aging and Interstate Cooperation committees.
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