The Future of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Education: Keep, Reform, or Dismantle?

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Revisiting the Record: Policy Historiographies and the Making of Educational Futures

Abstract

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives and committees have become central to educational institutions across Canada and globally. Yet, their implementation and long-term impact remain debated and contentious, with many EDI initiatives being eliminated or limited more recently. This conceptual paper critically analyzes the evolution, strengths, limitations, and future of EDI frameworks in K–12 and post-secondary education. Drawing on critical policy analysis, intersectionality, and anti-racist scholarship, EDI initiative case studies are examined to discuss whether they function as genuine tools for transformative change or as performative mechanisms aligned with neoliberalism and institutional co-optation. In other words, should EDI be kept, reformed, or dismantled? We argue for moving beyond intentions toward impact-driven, data-informed decision making with a series of recommendations.

Author

• Ardavan Eizadirad, Wilfrid Laurier University