Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM Faculty Hiring

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 4:55 pm
  In Roundtable Session: STEM Faculty (Table 37)

Abstract

One of the most significant challenges facing the U.S. higher education system is the issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is not only a concern for students from diverse backgrounds but also for faculty members, and the faculty hiring process is a crucial factor contributing to this issue. In this paper, we attempted to address the issue of DEI in STEM higher education professoriate by examining how the qualifications of applicants—especially those related to teaching, research, and service—are considered and evaluated in the faculty hiring practices. Our results suggest that qualifications with DEI constructs are often rated significantly less important than those without DEI statements, which indicates that DEI is still undervalued in practice in faculty hiring.

Authors

• Jue Wu, University of Florida

• Torrie Cropps, University of Texas - Dallas

• Samara Rose Boyle, Rice University

• Canek Moises Luna Phillips, Rice University

• Yvette E. Pearson, University of Texas - Dallas