Unprecedented Advising: Activating Nurtured Co-Curricular Advising to Support Black Student Leaders in an Anti-DEI Era - JCAPS Vol. 8 Issue 2

As anti-DEI legislation expands across the nation, higher education is experiencing a profound shift in campus climates, heavily impacting minoritized student populations. While much of the dialogue surrounds academic administration, this shifting reality deeply disrupts the co-curricular sphere, particularly leadership development and student involvement at Primarily White Institutions (PWIs). This theory-to-practice brief positions campus activities professionals and student organization advisors as vital institutional agents who can bridge the gap Black student leaders face in these restrictive climates. Fusing the HBCU-derived model of nurtured advising with the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, this article introduces a framework for nurtured co-curricular advising. This approach operationalizes proactive care, cultural validation, and community connection to empower Black student leaders, sustain their organizational efficacy, and safeguard their holistic well-being. Actionable recommendations are provided for co-curricular advisors working to adapt their advising strategies, navigate the shifting legal landscapes, and foster resilient student-led communities.