Louisiana Can’t Build a Stronger Future by Erasing Inclusion
A Statement by EdTrust-Louisiana state director Tramelle Howard

As the state director for EdTrust-Louisiana, I find Gov. Landry’s recent executive order directing Louisiana’s public university systems to explore accreditation through the new, conservative-leaning Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) troubling. Not because we oppose innovation, but because this shift prioritizes political ideology over authentic educational excellence.

While proponents insist this move prioritizes “merit-based achievement” and rejects “DEI-driven mandates,” the truth is starkly different. DEI isn’t an ideological fad—it’s a foundational framework that ensures colleges serve all students, particularly those who have been historically excluded. If accreditation standards no longer protect equitable hiring, inclusive classrooms, and culturally responsive curricula, we risk unraveling progress and sending all students backward.

EdTrust–Louisiana believes our goal should be not only rigorous academics but education that empowers every student — regardless of race, zip code, or economic background — to thrive. By aligning with a new accreditor that explicitly resists DEI, we jeopardize:

• Access: First-generation and students from low-income backgrounds benefit from tailored supports that DEI standards help protect. Without them, barriers grow.
• Quality & Accountability: Accreditation without equity checks opens the door to unequal treatment across campuses.
• Long-term Success: Graduates must be prepared to succeed in diverse workplaces and communities. Equity isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Louisiana has already fallen behind national averages in diversity and student outcomes. This isn’t the moment to embrace an accreditation path that views diversity as a liability.

We support higher education advancement — but advancement rooted in inclusion, fairness, and opportunity for all. Applying equity through accountability is what gives accreditation true meaning. Anything less is dismantling hard-fought gains for Louisiana’s students.

This decision isn’t just administrative; it’s a statement about what we value as a state. Will we choose excellence that elevates every learner or conformity that leaves far too many behind?