Diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, are not just buzzwords at Rockhurst University—they are embedded in the Jesuit values that have defined the institution since its founding.
University officials say they remain as committed as ever to those principles, even as its inclusion efforts undergo changes in staffing and as the new Trump administration in Washington cracks down on DEI policies both inside and outside the federal government.
At the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, President Sandra Cassady announced that chief inclusion officer LaTisha Davis would be departing from her role.
While no further details were provided for the reason behind her exit, and Davis declined an interview with The Sentinel, Cassady reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to DEI efforts.
“We are grateful for the work LaTisha accomplished and wish her well in her future endeavors,” Cassidy said in the Jan. 29 email to the university. “In the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching and Jesuit values, we are committed to working toward ensuring that all members of our community are treated with dignity and that our campus is free of discrimination in all forms so that all may flourish to their fullest potential. We want and need to deepen our commitment to these values and do not want to suspend our efforts even temporarily.”
The university moved quickly to ensure students and faculty felt supported, forming a new Dignity, Belonging and Justice Committee dedicated to continuing DEI initiatives. The committee was formally established in mid-February. It is led by Jesuit Fr. Stephen Hess, vice president for mission and ministry, and includes Alicia Douglas, director of community relations and outreach; Muhle Dlamini, director of international student admissions; and Cas Rohmer Des Jardins, a department assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The name change from “DEI” to “Dignity, Belonging and Justice” was intentional according to Hess, reflecting a deeper connection to Jesuit values.
The committee will oversee key DEI initiatives, including student programs such as Hawk Scholars, as well as faculty-led efforts. Members were selected based on their prior DEI experience and alignment with Rockhurst’s vision of faith, belonging, and justice.
Hess acknowledged that DEI initiatives face scrutiny at many universities with the recent presidential administration change, but he emphasized that inclusion at Rockhurst is nonnegotiable.
“No matter what changes around the country in regards to DEI, nothing will change at Rockhurst because it is who we are. We were being inclusive before it was even a stated committee,” he told The Sentinel. “So it’s kind of, in many ways, helping us remember that this is part of our identity, and we won’t apologize for it.”
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to eliminate DEI programs and policies across federal departments and agencies. In addition, his administration has threatened to withhold federal funding from private institutions, including colleges and universities, if they consider race in scholarship or hiring decisions, as well as other aspects of campus life.
While leadership may shift at Rockhurst and around the world, the university’s stance on inclusion remains steadfast according to Hess. Rockhurst insists that its commitment to fostering an environment where all students, faculty and staff feel valued and supported is firm.
“DEI isn’t something we do because it’s a political thing. It’s who we are. It always has been, and we want to keep emphasizing that,” Hess said.
Students expressed a mix of surprise and concern upon hearing the announcement of Davis’ departure. Some worried about what the change might mean for DEI efforts at Rockhurst moving forward.
“It was a shock to me. I didn’t see it coming,” Taiwo Awe, Student Senate representative for DEI, said of Davis’ exit from Rockhurst. “I didn’t see any signs or anything, but I did reach out to her, and I just told her Rockhurst is gonna miss you, and I just hope you’re valued wherever you go.”
Awe also checked with her friends and peers to ensure they were doing okay. Despite initial concerns, Awe praised the university for its handling of the transition.
“They handled the situation pretty well from my point of view,” said Awe. “There’s not much you can do, especially when it’s unexpected. You can just be flexible and respect people’s decisions at the end of the day.”
As the university moves forward, students and community members are encouraged to engage with the new committee, report concerns and contribute to an inclusive campus environment.
“There are really great Senate DEI events, but a lot of the time turnout is low,” Awe said. “We need to raise more awareness. And if you see something, say something. If you hear something, say something.”
Pope Francis’ words serve as a guiding principle for Hess in the university’s ongoing work relating to DEI: “It’s only by starting from the heart that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing viewpoints so that the Spirit can guide us in unity as sisters and brothers and be reconciled with one another. May Christ pour out the treasure of his light and love so that our world, which presses forward despite wars, may find peace.”
At Rockhurst, inclusion is not a passing movement. It is a way of life.
