Sac State President Defends Black Honors College Amid DEI
Sacramento State University President Luke Wood discusses the school's Black Honors College, arguing it complies with federal law while serving student
The Trump administration is targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs on college campuses, with civil rights investigations and a proposed rule to strip tax-exempt status from schools offering race-based aid. Many initiatives are being cut or folded into broader offerings. Against this backdrop, Sacramento State University is highlighting its Black Honors College.
President Luke Wood argues the program is legally sound. "We're meeting our students where they're at and providing them with the environment that we think they need to be successful," Wood told NPR. He stated the college is open to all students, making it nondiscriminatory, even as it focuses on Black history and culture.
Program Structure and Legal Defense
The Black Honors College curriculum integrates a Black studies perspective across all subjects, from math to sociology. Wood emphasized its openness is key to its legal standing. "You can be a white student and be in the Black Honors College." he said. While overwhelmingly serving Black students, it accepts any student seeking an elite, specialized experience focused on the Pan-African diaspora.
Wood believes more institutions could follow this model without backing down. I think that we've been able to kind of strike that very clean balance between being in alignment with federal law, being in alignment with state law and still doing the right thing, he stated.
Student Impact and Enrollment Growth
The program has significantly increased Black student enrollment at Sacramento State, according to Wood. Student Chibuike Michael Ezeh described the personal impact, contrasting his experience of often being the only Black student in high school honors classes with the community he found at the college. People who look like me, people who I could feel more comfortable around, Ezeh said.
Wood acknowledged indirect pressures from the federal focus on DEI, including reduced grant programs and a climate of fear. He described Sacramento State's efforts as a light in the darkness.
Balancing Diverse Viewpoints
When asked about creating a welcoming environment for politically conservative students, Wood affirmed his support for all student groups. I don't look at them as conservative or liberal, I look at them as students, he said, listing support for organizations ranging from Black fraternities to the conservative group Turning Point USA. He defined the university's role as teaching students how to think and exposing them to different perspectives.
Wood also faces a lawsuit from the university's former chief diversity officer, who alleges discrimination. He declined to comment on the specific case, reiterating that his focus is on building a team and environment where students can succeed. The lawsuit was filed against Wood and the California State University system's Board of Trustees.
