With one college or university in America closing every week because of decreasing enrollment, HBCUs are gaining more recognition as the most secure choice for higher education. This development is concerning for those who aim to enhance the environmental sustainability of our warming planet!
As a result of declining birthrates in the country before the Great Recession, the college-age population has significantly decreased since the beginning of 2017. This phenomenon, referred to as the "enrollment cliff" by college officials, will have varying impacts depending on the geographical region and type of institution. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are already adapting to enhance competitiveness and attract students from diverse racial backgrounds. However, mainstream institutions, particularly Ivy League schools, appear hesitant to fully embrace inclusion, which is understandable. Many colleges across the country that have dedicated years to developing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are now being forced to reconsider - and sometimes completely overhaul - those initiatives.
Conservative policymakers are vehemently against higher education programs using racial preferences to promote diversity. Recent changes include a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against race-conscious admissions and more states defunding DEI programs in higher education.
In 2018, the final major toy store in the United States closed down due to a decline in the birth rate among the middle and upper-middle-class families. This closure left over 50,000 employees searching for new job opportunities. The challenges faced by Toys R Us also had a negative impact on the leading toy manufacturers, Mattel and Hasbro, prompting them to shift their focus towards military and movie-related revenue streams. The transformation in demographics played a crucial role in shaping the children's toy and clothing industry, as the urbanization trend saw a shift from suburban mall markets to major cities with a predominantly BIPOC population. Consequently, this shift led to the expansion of online retail and the significant growth of the global e-commerce sector.
There is a decreasing trend in the number of Americans having babies, but this is not the case for the African American and Hispanic communities, who are increasingly embracing larger extended families. The rate of African American incarcerations, which has been steadily decreasing over the past 12 years in the United States, is directly impacting the growth of the nuclear family. Recent data also indicates that African American women make up the largest college demographic. This stands in contrast to the priorities of middle America, who prioritize their careers or savings accounts. Experts warn that the country's low birthrate could have negative consequences for the economy. This trend is now also affecting colleges.
More than a dozen state legislatures have introduced or passed bills reining in DEI programs in colleges and universities. To some, the future of public higher education is on the line. 85 percent of generation Z is very or somewhat concerned about climate change, according to a Marist poll from earlier this year. In response, states like California, Connecticut, and New Jersey are now teaching kids about climate change in the classroom but what happens if the institutions that could inspire the next great minds are no longer available?
Understanding the distinction between weather and climate is relatively straightforward for young children: weather refers to day-to-day variations, while climate pertains to long-term patterns. As students reach 9th or 10th grade, having established a solid foundation in weather and climate, they can delve into the complex mathematical relationships involved. The World Health Organization has identified global warming as the primary health risk for humanity. Nelson Mandela once stated in 1990 that education is a potent tool for effecting global change, a sentiment shared before the widespread awareness of climate change.
Climate change education requires a multi-dimensional and transdisciplinary approach that emphasizes critical thinking. While not a novel method of teaching or learning, it demands students to make connections between various subjects such as historical truths, current global climate policies, biology, geochemistry, and economics. For instance, comprehending the construction of cities is crucial to evaluating their resilience to climate-related disasters, understanding how governing bodies can formulate impactful policies at different levels, and ensuring the inclusion of diverse voices in environmental protection efforts. In essence, higher education is essential for this life saving and possibly world saving purpose!
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