The Value of DEI on University Campuses

Written by: Ludane Thaw

The need for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces within higher education in the United States (U.S.) has been around since the 1800s. But in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020, racial justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion were thrust to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, sparking national conversations. Since then, workplaces, corporations, and institutions for higher education alike have increased their commitment to providing support for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

With more than 20 million U.S. students projected to be enrolled in undergraduate and graduate studies in 2022, it’s worth exploring the value DEI brings to not only students but the institution and society at large.

But first, what do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean?

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Although racial diversity is often the most discussed, the term diversity covers the wide range of human differences one might find on campus. Diversity includes but is not limited to differences in race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, culture, national origin, religion or spirituality, age, (dis)ability, and military or veteran status, and political perspective.

Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive. It encourages people and institutions to acknowledge and address structural inequalities — historic and current — that advantage some and disadvantage others. Importantly, equity is not equality. Equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences and opportunities are the same.

Inclusion refers to a campus community where all students, faculty, staff, and administration members are and feel respected. Inclusive campuses have a sense of belonging and encourage everyone to participate and achieve their full potential. Since a campus can be both diverse and non-inclusive simultaneously, diversity is key but not sufficient on its own.

The Benefits of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts should not be a standalone university initiative or a siloed department,” explains Michael Nixon, Vice President for University Culture and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Andrews University, the most ethnically diverse college in the U.S. “DEI needs to be central to the institution’s mission, vision, and values — it’s necessary work that directly impacts the success of the university and its students.”

Indeed, studies from McKinsey & Company show that businesses with gender, ethnic and cultural diversity were more likely to outperform ones with less diversity. In 2019, the businesses in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity outperformed those in the fourth quartile significantly — by 36 percent in profitability. Likewise, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability.

The benefits of DEI for institutions of higher learning are no different. Furthermore, encouraging inclusion and awareness also helps students with different backgrounds succeed and feel supported.

“The impact is even more pronounced as students move into the job market,” explains Nixon. “Students shaped by a diverse institution are better equipped to operate in different settings and have practical experience that benefits employers who are increasingly invested in fostering inclusive workplace environments.”

Data indicate that students enrolled in diverse schools have higher test scores and that those diverse environments allow students to concentrate better and push themselves further. Moreover, it equips students for the global economy and prepares them to thrive in an increasingly diverse world and workforce.

Educating students on how to relate to people from different backgrounds is more important now than ever. In his book Strategic Diversity Leadership, Damon A. Williams notes researchers have demonstrated that diverse learning environments lead to more creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Diversity then, helps students achieve what the Association of American Colleges & Universities refers to as “essential learning outcomes.”

Williams continues. “Students who acquire these outcomes are better able to envision multiple perspectives, explore diverse social and cultural contexts, and engage with the challenges and opportunities of a society and economy that are now globally connected,” he states. “They are, in other words, best able to compete in the global economy, and become productive members of an increasingly diverse American society.”

For universities, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not simply about fulfilling moral and social responsibilities. Instead, DEI is inextricably connected to how students thrive, academic and institutional success, and has a direct correlation to the strength of our society at large.