Description:

In the United States, DEI initiatives face unprecedented political scrutiny, with legislative efforts seeking to defund, dismantle, or restrict programs that explicitly focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Meanwhile, European institutions—despite facing their own challenges—have historically approached equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) differently by embedding these principles into broader policy frameworks, student success initiatives, and institutional culture.

As international educators, how can we sustain our commitments to inclusion, regardless of political climate or terminology? Can the U.S. learn from Europe’s structural approaches, and can Europe gain insights from U.S. models of student advocacy and engagement?

This timely and thought-provoking opening plenary will explore:

• Beyond the Acronyms – How European institutions build inclusive environments without using overt DEI branding and what this means for U.S. institutions navigating political restrictions.
• Sustaining Equity in Uncertain Times – Strategies for embedding inclusion into institutional structures in ways that outlast political cycles.
• Transatlantic Collaboration – How U.S. and European institutions can support one another through research, joint initiatives, and shared advocacy.
• The Power of Language & Framing – How terminology influences policy, funding, and public perception of inclusion efforts in higher education.
• Real Impact on Students – What these institutional approaches mean for international student belonging, retention, and success in global mobility.

By bringing together leaders from both sides of the Atlantic, this session will challenge conventional DEI paradigms, push institutions to innovate in the face of adversity, and encourage new pathways for inclusion—with or without the label.

Key Themes & Focus Areas:

• Beyond the Acronyms – How European institutions build inclusive environments without focusing on DEI as an acronym.
• Sustaining Equity in Uncertain Times – Long-term strategies for maintaining equity and inclusion despite shifting political climates.
• Transatlantic Collaboration – The importance of U.S. and European partnerships to advance global education and inclusion.
• The Power of Language & Framing – The role that terminology plays in shaping policy, public perception, and funding of inclusion initiatives.
• Real Impact on Students – The direct implications of institutional approaches on student success, belonging, and retention in international education.

Speakers:

• European and U.S. university leaders on the front lines of shaping inclusive education policies.
• A legal expert on the impact of U.S. policies on international education and institutional autonomy.