Challenging Anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Laws: A Stand for Moral Courage

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are three interrelated and critically important constructs in physical therapy education programs that promote positive learning environments to mitigate discrimination, bias, and various forms of "-isms" including racism, sexism, ableism, and ageism. Unfortunately, a growing number of conservative jurisdictions have introduced or passed anti-DEI laws aimed to restrict the implementation of DEI, belonging, antiracism, and social justice initiatives in higher education, particularly public institutions. The purpose of this position paper is to highlight the reasons why physical therapy education program faculty, both individually and collectively, should be aware of anti-DEI laws and empowered to demonstrate moral courage, or bravery despite risks, to challenge them.

Faculty in physical therapy education programs must confront their professional and personal fears while demonstrating moral courage in response to the growing prevalence of anti-DEI laws at federal levels. Faculty who remain informed about and challenge these anti-DEI laws will enhance their capacity to counter misinformation and misconceptions about DEI to foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments for students and faculty.

Challenging anti-DEI laws is crucial for fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable physical therapy education programs that support critical dialogue and understanding. Faculty, both individually and collectively, who confront their fears about challenging these laws will gain the moral courage to take a stance against them. Ultimately, standing against anti-DEI laws not only enriches the learning experience but also strengthens our profession's commitment to DEI, belonging, justice, and antiracism.