Using Critical Race Theory to Redefine the 12 Professional Dispositions of Chief Diversity Officers

• In Event: 61.048 - Reframing That Opens Space for Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) serve as the senior administrator in charge of a university’s mission and programming as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education developed a set of standards of professional practice as guidelines to assist CDOs in carrying out their institutional tasks. The objective of this paper was to use Critical Race Theory (CRT) as an approach for critiquing and revising the 12 standards of professional practice for CDOs as outlined by the NADOHE. The CRT versions of the standards of professional practice sought to directly acknowledge notable “-isms” on college campuses, sought the removal of colorblind language, and instructed CDOs to go beyond surface level research.

Authors

• Brandon C.M. Allen, Purdue University

• Alberto J. Rodriguez, Purdue University

• Levon T. Esters, Purdue University