Overlapping Discourses of Diversity: Preserving a Focus on Numbers or Transforming Institutional Culture and Learning

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Education and Assessment in the Professions Poster Session

Abstract

The changing faces of the profession have allowed a different view in understanding and promoting diversity and inclusion. Yet, at times the focus seems to remain on numbers versus the transformative effect diversity can have on public education. This qualitative study uses Chang’s (2002) delineations of diversity discourse (preservation or transformative) as well as the distinctions of campus climate to analyze how diversity efforts address issues of diversity from a multidimensional approach. To better understand which discourse of diversity is engaged, the perspectives of faculty members, administrators, and students were examined. Findings reveal both preservationists (number-focused) and transformative (comprehensive) perceptions of practices. However, constituents interpreted goals, outcomes, and achievements differently.

Authors

• Kadian McIntosh, The University of Arizona

• Victoria Navarro Benavides, The University of Arizona