Comments

I disagree with the framework of the JEDI for a number of substantive reasons. The goals and objectives of the commission for some are great in the abstract; but, now that details are emerging the JEDI is critical theory dream to the designers of this scheme; but, I think will harm the university and destroy it. One might argue that this can be repaired through this comment process; but, I think it may have already gone too far to be rendered utile. My hope is that enough people will speak up and point out that the 'JEDI Emperor's new clothes' (apologies to Hans Christian Anderson) don't really exist. I suggest we should instead be developing something that preserves the best of academic traditions along with encouraging debate, discussion, and reason -- let us call it -- a FEIM rubric: Fairness: we should strive to treat individual fairly, with objectivity and civility; not 'social justice' and its one-size-fits all radical Marxist critical theory framing of life; Equality: we should strive to create equality of opportunity -- not equality of outcome (equity); Individuality: we should strive to appreciate the real diversity -- the diversity of human experiences and not use the 'group' diversity mentality of dissolving each individual down to his or her demographic characteristics thereby claiming collectivist locus of control and responsibility; Merit: we should strive to celebrate merit and attempt to create an environment that rewards hard work; results; and, effort -- not a watering down of standards that seems to be the result of the 'inclusion' part of JEDI (which JEDI ironically has warped 'inclusion' to mean 'separate-but-equal' safe spaces; special group events (where a group is barred from attending another group's event, special dorms, or restricted scholarships)).

Article "The Plan to Dismantle DEI" Model state legislation to outlaw DEI in higher education completely (https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-plan-to-dismantle-dei?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_5980985_nl_Academe-Today_date_20230123&cid=at&source=&sourceid=&cid2=gen_login_refresh)

Article "DeSantis Asked Florida Universities to Detail Their Diversity Spending. Here’s How They Answered" The answer - less than 1% (https://www.chronicle.com/article/desantis-asked-florida-universities-to-detail-their-diversity-spending-heres-how-they-answered?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_5971351_nl_Academe-Today_date_20230120&cid=at&source=&sourceid=&cid2=gen_login_refresh).

To provide a meaningful JEDI report, it needs to include the trends of the population of students, faculty, administration, staff, and vendors working directly with Kutztown University over the period of X number of years.

Our faculty is becoming less diverse because we are not replacing those who retire. The demographics of out society is going the opposite direction as the demographics of American society overall.

Would be helpful for readers to put the questions and response %ages in table form as well as text. I'm not surprised to read the comments about the promotion process. It is very concerning that some people are promoted into positions without an application and search process (Director of HR, several in the Business office, and there are many others over the years).

The report reflects the lack of advancement opportunities and the fairness of promotion process. This is true. Others have said the same thing in higher ed. See, "Higher Ed Is a Scam of a Career’: Readers Speak Out on Dead-End Jobs: In academe, advancement opportunities can be few and far between" Chronicle of Higher Education - https://www.chronicle.com/article/higher-ed-is-a-scam-of-a-career-readers-speak-out-on-dead-end-jobs?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_5858099_nl_Academe-Today_date_20230104&cid=at&source=&sourceid=

I'm deeply disturbed that instructions for the JEDI rubric focus on organization practices and not how they have wide-ranging implications. This basically enables color blind racism.

In the area of the arts, we need to exposure our students to practicing artists, creatives, and cultural creators that address Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion in their practices. Having not just more funding but a CLEAR AND DIRECT line for funding request for these visiting lectures and presentations would make this possible. So many important and relevant speakers have fallen through because of lack of funds and/or inability to reach funds in a timely fashion.