Casual observation is an inadequate method to determine the degree of inclusivity within an academic unit because it does not take into account implicit bias, the perspectives of others, or the wealth of data that could indicate room for improvement. On the surface, an academic unit may look inclusive—there may be visible diversity among the faculty—but diversity is not synonymous with inclusivity. Faculty members may seem collegial, but how do faculty from underrepresented groups feel about the climate? Policies and practices may seem fair and unbiased, but are they?
Character (Still) Counts: Moral Injury and the Case for Character Education
Many academic leaders remember the Character Counts! initiative from the 1990s and early 2000s. It was visible in schools and youth programs nationwide, emphasizing as core values the Six Pillars
Teresa Maggard Stephens
June 15, 2026
