Michael Jacobson is Chair of the Standing Panel of Social Equity in Governance
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When I assumed the Chair of the Standing Panel in early 2025, I don’t think I was ready for how 2025 would unfold. I don’t think I was alone. The Executive Orders; the multipronged attack on the federal government, the states, and universities; the “banned words;” the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officers; and the closure of so many equity-related offices and programs have left many of us reeling and wondering how to respond and react. Five months has seemed like 5 years, maybe five lifetimes.
Amidst these changes, the Academy, the Standing Panel, and the Universities at Shady Grove (MD) had to decide how to proceed. The Academy and a host university have jointly held the Social Equity Leadership Conference for 24 years. The conference provides a platform for graduate students to share their thesis and dissertation work, for established professors and academicians to bring their newest research, and for government practitioners to share their experience and learnings from doing the day to day work. I am so proud of the Academy, the Standing Panel and the Universities at Sady Grove on making the decision to procced with the conference. Hardest and best decision since I became a Fellow.
Takeaways
One of the reflections coming out of the 2024 conference was a subtle critique that we are “preaching to the choir.” There was a concern that we should broaden the audience and expand our ability to reach different groups, some of whom might not already agree with the importance of equity in government. Especially now, the choir needs some of its own care and support, knowing that the work that they do, while already hard in a good year, has become especially challenging in the current climate. Equity has never been a "safe" or "easy" issue. It has always, at its core, challenged the status quo, dominant history, and collective willful forgetfulness of the past. Last year, no one said you were brave or courageous for attending a conference. Coming together, building connections, sharing stories and experiences, and creating a safe space were all in focus this year.
A few of the sessions I attended had very vigorous discussion and debate, beyond what I am used to from an “academic” conference. At first, I was taken aback by the raised voices and passionate arguments, but I later reflected that these are exactly the kinds of debates we need to be having, first among ourselves so that we can be prepared to make the case to folks who remain skeptical of or even opposed to equity issues.
Many speakers spoke of needing to remain grounded in our values and what we know to be just, but to remain flexible in how we go about accomplishing our work. There was a recognition of “cathedral thinking,” recognizing what we are building today we might not see completed in our lifetimes; a long-term perspective is essential. “Plant the tree today even if you will not get to sit in the shade.” People recalled inspiring words from their elders or civil right movement leaders in the past to keep them grounded in the importance of justice for all. I found people remained passionate about the work but thinking carefully about how to do it. People appreciated being able to connect with old friends and make new acquaintances, gathering together in a space that allowed deliberation and the ability to question old truths.
Lastly, I was also energized by the vigor and commitment of the students at the conference. They brought new perspectives, fresh research findings, and a willingness to question how to best move forward. Their energy and iconoclastic outlook made every session more interesting and relevant to the issues facing young people today.
Attending the 2025 SELC 2025 was the best decision I have made in a while. I left energized, inspired, knowledgeable, humbled, aware, and connected. I don’t think one can ask for more from an event.
