Higher Education Commission, Partners Launch DEI Policy -Commission’s ED Underscores Commitment to Remedying Hurdles
By: H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have launched the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy Document for Higher Education under the Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students (TESTs) project.
Speaking at the launching ceremony yesterday, Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in Monrovia, the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) Executive Director Edward Lama Wonkeryor, said, “This policy means we are committing ourselves to fostering environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive without fear of discrimination, prejudice, or marginalization”.
According to the NCHE boss, the DEI policy document would ensure that policies and practices across Higher Education Institutions are designed with equity at the forefront—addressing disparities that may exist in access to education, resources, and opportunities.
“It will also ensure that our curriculum and pedagogy reflect the richness of Liberia’s diversity, preparing our graduates to contribute meaningfully to both the local and global communities,” he added. The policy provides an overview and guidance for higher education institutions to promote equity, reduce stigmatization, enhance accessibility, and implement accommodations.”
He added: “The policy guidance compliments the National Commission on Higher Education’s aspirations for excellence in tertiary education. Inclusive institutions prevent discrimination, enhance fairness, promote equal opportunity, and provide support services for staff, students, and other educational sectors.”
He said under this policy, no students shall face discrimination based on gender, disability, ethnic origin, cultural background, political affiliation, religion, marital status, or age, noting further that the DEI policy is not just a set of ideals but a blueprint for the future of higher education in Liberia, and it recognizes that diversity in thought, culture, background, and experience strengthens institutions.
“It acknowledges that equity ensures everyone has access to the same opportunities regardless of their background is not just an aspiration but an obligation,” also indicated. “It emphasizes inclusion, creating democratic spaces where an individual feels valued and empowered to contribute to our academic community.”
Dr Edward Lama Wonkeryor explained that in the context of Liberia, a country rich in cultural diversity, the policy document was not just timely but also essential.
The NCHE Executive Director called on Liberian institutions to reflect the plurality of the society, creating democratic environments where people of all genders, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and abilities feel respected and have the tools they need to succeed.
He asserted that the true power of education can only be fully realized when it is inclusive, equitable, and representative of the diverse populations it serves.
“The DEI Policy Document we are launching today is a tangible testament to our collective commitment to ensuring that our higher education system in Liberia embodies these principles,” he further emphasized. “This is especially critical in higher education, where we are not just shaping individuals but shaping the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our nation.”
According to him, the launch of the document was not just the culmination of months of hard work, but the beginning of a transformative journey, noting that principles enshrined in this DEI Policy Document will only become reality through our collective actions, commitment, and accountability.
“We are deeply grateful to USAID/TESTS for their partnership in this endeavour. Their support underscores the global commitment to building education systems that serve every student, regardless of their background or circumstances,” he said.
Dr Wonkeryor averred: “As the Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education, I pledge our full support in this endeavour. We will work closely with all Higher Education Institutions to ensure that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded not just in policy but in practice and foster dialogue, encourage best practices, and hold ourselves accountable to the standards we are setting today.”
Launching the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy Document, the Minister of Labor, Cllr Cooper W. Kruah, said in the continuously evolving world of education, policy, and governance was integral components of effective leadership.
Cllr Kruah stressed that developing a deep understanding of policy and governance structures, including how they were created and implemented as well as how they impact learning environments and stakeholders was essential for aspiring educational leaders.
“The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy, a collaborative initiative of the NCHE and USAID, through the TESTS project, actually aims at ensuring a gender-free and inclusive learning environment to induce the acquiring of quality learning objectives by students in Liberia,” he said. “The policy complements NCHE’s reform initiatives to promote quality and excellence in tertiary education across universities and colleges in Liberia.”
Through the policy, he asserted, “institutions are encouraged to prevent discrimination, enhance fairness, promote equal opportunity, and provide support services for staff, students and other educational stakeholders in our country.
“Under this policy, no student shall face discrimination based on gender, ethnic origin, disability, cultural background, religion, political affiliation, marital status. By these standards, students at our tertiary institutions, are therefore expected to maximize their learning without any hindrance, whatsoever. Further, engaging in policy development and reform is an effective means of bolstering the impact educational leaders have on those they serve.”
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