Three Approaches to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For diversity efforts to succeed, we need greater specificity about the meaning of these efforts and the strategies we might use to achieve these outcomes.

In our work, we categorize these efforts into three approaches: building representational diversity (what we can see and count), fostering interactional diversity (the capacity to engage diversity effectively), and committing to structural diversity (how an organization or institution enacts this commitment). This framework is developed in collaboration with Dr. Mark Chesler based on concepts described by Dr. Patricia Gurin and others.

The bulk of current broadening participation efforts focus on a limited form of structural diversity that is focused on achieving representational diversity. This is important work, but it is insufficient to the goal of realizing the benefits of diversity.

We believe that colleges and universities must define and develop interactional diversity as the leading edge of diversity efforts. Through this commitment we can move beyond access to retention and actualize the mutually beneficial, transformative, and multi-faceted nature of being a diverse society.  Read more about the educational case for diversity and inclusion in this blog post.

Representational Diversity Representational diversity - a heterogeneous group of people

Bring a more diverse set of people.

  • Invite and include
  • Enable
  • Engage and invest

Interactional Diversity

Interactional diversity - learning skills in interactions across differenceIncrease the capacity of diverse individuals to interact in a manner that actualizes the benefits of diversity.

  • Educate and train
  • Motivate
  • Engage and discuss
  • Empower and ally

Structural Diversity

Reflect a commitment to diversity in practice, policy, and governance throughout the institution.Structural diversity - a commitment to policies etc which support a diverse and inclusive culture

  • Provide focused programming and initiatives
  • Share power
  • Infuse DEI everywhere
  • Evaluate efforts
  • Reward and incentivize
  • Network
  • Invest in long term and interconnected ways

 

 

 

Previous Post
Creating Inclusive Classrooms
Next Post
The Educational Case for Diversity and Inclusion

On related topics

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

College and university classrooms are a potent, important, and effective arena for inclusion.  An inclusive setting in the classroom is important because it models the ideals of non-discriminatory environment.  Providing a learning experience in this context means allowing for equal opportunities for all students, valuing all of their unique contributions.  Educators…

The Educational Case for Diversity and Inclusion

What does diversity have to do with higher education? Diversity promotes learning. In their landmark Supreme Court case on Affirmative Action, the University of Michigan demonstrated that interactions across social identity differences have the potential to make us smarter. With this data, Michigan linked practice to mission, offering a compelling reason…
keyboard_arrow_up