Tuesday , April 8 , 7:00 – 8:00 pm Eastern
Closing Panel Liberation Lies in the Details : Navigating Anti-DEI Legislation in Innovative and Legal Ways
Session Description : In a time when states are passing anti-DEI legislation , institutions are struggling to find ways to effectively meet the needs of their diverse student bodies . Without knowing the details , these laws and regulations can seem very restrictive . However , upon analyzing the texts of these policies , there are ways to navigate to enact DEI programs and support systems without violating this legislation . In this presentation , we will provide an overview of the anti-DEI legislation on Oklahoma and share how our institution continues to navigate these policies , without violating their written restrictions , while providing innovative support to students , staff , and faculty .
Session Objectives : 1 . Analyze the written statements of anti-DEI legislation , identifying the specific restrictions that are enacted by these policies 2 . Develop innovative DEI strategies and supports for students , staff , and faculty that do not violate the restrictions of this legislation
Themes : Institutional strategies for advancing DEI and strategies for addressing challenges to advance DEI
Audience : Higher Education faculty , staff and administrators
Panelists : Eric Kyle , PhD ( he / him ), University of Central Oklahoma Alyssa L . Provencio , Ph . D . ( she / her / ella ), University of Central Oklahoma
Biographies : Dr . Kyle ’ s teaching , scholarship and service are primarily focused at the intersection of the following areas : 1 ) Faculty development ; 2 ) Educating for Peace ; and , 3 ) Teaching Religion . Having served as a professional educator since 2001 , his passions continue to focus on educational theories and practices that transform students and their communities to be more peaceful , just , and inclusive .
Dr . Provencio is an Associate Professor in Political Science , specializing in resilience , leadership , and community-driven solutions , with a particular teaching and research focus on how under-resourced populations navigate crises . Through her work at LX Studio , she builds strategic partnerships that strengthen civic engagement and workforce development . Her work emphasizes equity , sustainability , and collective action , empowering students and communities to develop social resilience through policy innovation and collaborative problem-solving .