Title: What’s Ahead for African American College Freshmen Without DEI—and How Parents Can Help Ease the Transition

Title: What’s Ahead for African American College Freshmen Without DEI—and How Parents Can Help Ease the Transition

As a new wave of African American students prepare to step onto college campuses this fall, many are walking into an environment that feels less familiar, less safe, and more isolating than ever before. With the disappearance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) offices and the defunding of cultural-based student support programs across the country, families must brace for a new kind of college experience—one that may not be ready to receive our students with the understanding and cultural responsiveness they deserve.

But while the system may not be ready, we can be.

The DEI Rollback: Why It Matters

Over the past year, DEI programs—which once helped students of color navigate the often overwhelming academic, social, and emotional challenges of college life—have been dismantled or defunded at alarming rates. These programs weren’t perfect, but they served as critical safe havens for African American students, offering everything from mental health support and mentorship to cultural programming and academic guidance.

Without them, our students may face:

• Increased isolation in predominantly white spaces

• Lack of access to culturally competent counseling or advising

• Fewer opportunities for community-building with peers who share similar lived experiences

• Greater risk of feeling unseen, misunderstood, or unsupported by faculty and staff

This shift doesn't just impact campus life—it can directly affect a student’s mental health, academic performance, and sense of belonging.

What Can Parents Do?

You don’t have to have a college degree to prepare your child for what’s coming. You just need to be present, proactive, and prepared. Here’s how you can help:

1. Start the Conversation Early

Talk openly with your student about the changes in college culture, including the lack of DEI support. Normalize conversations about race, identity, and resilience. Let them know it’s okay to speak up and seek help.

Try this: “If you ever feel uncomfortable, isolated, or unsure, let’s talk about it—no judgment. You don’t have to figure it out alone.”

2. Help Them Build a Safety Net

Equip them with practical tools before they leave home. That includes:

• A mental health check-in plan

• A list of campus and off-campus contacts for emergencies

• A financial plan so they’re not overwhelmed by unexpected costs

• A way to stay in regular communication with you

Tip: Download our Free College Emergency Toolkit to get started.

3. Encourage Them to Find or Create Community

Support your student in finding cultural or Black student organizations, online or in-person. Encourage them to build relationships with trusted professors, peer mentors, or local churches or community groups.

If their campus lacks these spaces, empower them to start something. Our students have always made a way—this generation is no different.

4. Stay Informed—and Involved

College is not the time to “let go completely.” Stay connected to your student’s experience. Check in regularly—not just on grades, but on how they’re feeling. You can also attend parent orientations (virtually or in person) and ask questions about campus culture and student support.

5. Invest in Resources Designed for This Moment

This year isn’t business as usual. Your support needs to match the challenge. Programs like College Ready are built for African American families navigating this new landscape—offering self-paced lessons, planning tools, and real-life guidance for both parents and students.

Final Thoughts

The absence of DEI programs on college campuses isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a warning sign. But our children have never needed a perfect system to succeed. What they need is a prepared village.

Let’s be that village.

Let’s talk, plan, and walk this journey with them—step by step.

📥 Need help getting started?
Download the Free College Emergency Toolkit—includes wallet cards, check-in worksheets, and action plans just for families like yours.
👉 [Click to get your free ToolKit]

💻 Want more? Check out our College Ready Parent Course, launching May 1st. Enroll early and join our private support group.

Your child is ready for college. Let’s make sure college is ready for them.