BC Hosts Campus Equity Conversation: Understanding DEI in Today’s Climate

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

This week, The Equal Opportunity & Diversity Advisory Committee (EODAC) and BCSGA hosted their first Campus Equity Conversation – a panel discussion intended to deepen understanding, clarify terms, and create space for respectful engagement. The topic of discussion was Why Equity Still Matters: Understanding DEI in Today’s Climate. The panel included Diana Wolf, Adjunct Faculty in Behavioral Science at BC; Manny Mourtzanos, Executive Dean of Instruction at BC; Timothy LaFondez, Program Manager of Tutoring Services at BC; Keith Wolaridge, Associate Professor of Business at BC; and Lawrence Ochoa, current BC student.

The moderator for the event was Gilbert Ayuk, BC Physics Professor. Throughout the event, he would ask specific questions and each panelist was given the chance to respond. He opened the discussion by asking about DEI‘s importance in higher education. Diana Wolf was the first to answer, “Equity is giving support where it is needed, and being able to identify where there are barriers that can create unequal opportunity,” she said, “and that can be difficult and challenging.” Timothy LaFondez shared a similar sentiment, “DEI in higher education is not a political concept, but it is a practical concept,” he said, “equity is simply recognizing that we do not start from the same place and allowing avenues for success regardless of background.”

Each panelist also shared a little of their background, their career paths, and other experiences that shaped their view on equity and inclusion. When asked about practical examples of DEI at BC, Keith Wolaridge shared his perspective, “A specific example of equity, for me as a professor, is meeting students where they are,” he said, “for example, I don’t think (the cost of) a textbook should stop a student from learning. So, there is the adoption of, or going to, zero-cost textbooks – that is something specific that we can do to meet our student where they are.”

The event concluded with a time of socializing and attendees were invited to enjoy a slice of pizza. Overall, the event provided a great atmosphere to discuss the top of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to focus on why it is an important topic for institutions of higher education. Thank you to all the panelists for taking time to share and to everyone who helped put this event together.