Harvard’s DEI Certification Program Costs $13,760

Harvard University is now offering a DEI certification that aims to teach students how to identify “bias” and develop strategies to tackle various organizational challenges. The price tag for this program? A hefty $13,760 per participant.

According to the university’s Division of Continuing Education, the certification will enable students to become effective advocates for strategic change within their organizations. It promises to equip them with essential knowledge and skills to combat bias, promote inclusivity, and foster a more inclusive workplace culture.

The course offerings associated with this certification include topics like “Understanding Race and Racism,” “Riots, Strikes, and Conspiracy in American History,” and “Justice.” Other classes focus on “Power and Privilege in Systems,” “Diversity and Inclusion Management,” “Organizations and Equitable Change,” and “Harnessing Employee Talent: Motivating a Diverse Workforce.”

Interestingly, Harvard hasn’t yet provided any comments regarding this initiative. Meanwhile, there’s been a broader conversation about DEI across many institutions, especially after former President Donald Trump indicated that universities adhering to DEI principles could risk losing federal funding.

Nikki Neily, founder of Defending Education, expressed skepticism about the value of Harvard’s DEI focus, suggesting that investing in such a certificate could be a poor choice. “The DEI industry has collapsed in recent years, so I think investing in a DEI certificate that provides ahistorical and biased knowledge is a particularly poor life choice and unlikely to provide any ROI for students,” Neily stated. She also noted that there’s a clear sentiment among the public against the federal government forgiving loans for such programs.

As debates around DEI and its efficacy continue, it’s evident that opinions are deeply divided on its role in academia and the corporate world.