Past Initiatives
Diversity (2002)
The Forum created the Diversity Initiative to educate the public about the need to achieve diversity on college and university campuses and in the workforce. The initiative sought to highlight the benefits diversity brings to the educational system for every student, as well as to U.S. economic competitiveness, and ultimately to all Americans.
William E. Kirwan, II, former President of the Ohio State University (current Chancellor, University System of Maryland), and Stephen Butler, former Chairman and CEO of KPMG LLP, co-chaired the initiative.
A report addressing diversity at institutions of higher education and in the workforce was released in January 2002. The report, Investing in People: Developing All of America's Talent on Campus and in the Workplace (pdf), surveyed the dynamic landscape of diversity within the corporate and academic environments, and presented the Forum's agenda for preparing all those in the United States to contribute to the global economy. The report also highlights then-existing models of innovative, promising practices that institutions in both sectors can replicate. Together, these demonstrate the benefits to be gained from diversity on our campuses and in our workplaces.
» August 13, 2010
President Obama Signs Spending Bill to Protect Teachers’ Jobs. BHEF applauds passage of the Education Jobs Bill.
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» August 11, 2010
Business-Higher Education Forum Statement on the Survival of BHEF Member and EADS North America CEO Sean O’Keefe
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» August 10, 2010
President Obama Cites Need to Restore U.S. Leadership in Higher Education; Names Three BHEF Member-Led Universities for Cost-Controlling Efforts. Calls on all college and university presidents to follow their example.
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» June 24-25, 2010
BHEF welcomed its members to Washington, DC for its summer meeting on June 24-25, 2010. Members heard from senior representatives of the Obama Administration on challenges and opportunities for education reform in upcoming reauthorization efforts and the challenges confronting long-term U.S. sustainability that demand strengthened STEM education.