Statement from Board of Regents Chair Collis Temple III

“Improved outcomes in postsecondary education are fundamental to the economic prosperity of our state as well as the economic and social well-being of our people. Guided by that vision of societal and individual prosperity, the Louisiana Board of Regents is working tirelessly toward the ambitious goal of at least 60% of the state’s working-aged adults holding a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.

This vision can only be realized if every individual has a fair opportunity to gain a degree or credential. Without equitable access to our postsecondary institutions; without intellectual and social environments where a multitude of viewpoints, experiences,  and differences are not just tolerated, but embraced; without the conviction that every one of our learners, regardless of background, deserves a fair opportunity to seek a degree or credential; without a framework of support to help them obtain it; and without the leadership and dedication of our institutions’ faculty and staff, we will not reach our goal.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are not forces of division, but areas of focus that enable us to develop practical tools to cultivate the potential of every individual. Employing these tools to help learners chart a path to achieve their goals in an atmosphere of respect for all differences, strengthens them as individuals and tremendously benefits their communities and our state.

The Board of Regents remains committed to all students, faculty, and employees, regardless of differences in socioeconomic background, race, gender, religion, and national origin. We embrace efforts to sustain and improve diversity, equity and inclusion as a means to increase educational attainment and opportunity in our state as we work to ensure that Louisiana prospers.”