Perceived Organizational Support After DEI Removal: A Mixed-Methods Study of Undergraduate Experiences

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Applying Mixed Methods for Understanding Experience, Action, and Organizational Change in Higher Education

Abstract

This research investigated whether gender or ethnicity influences perceived organizational support in a cohort of undergraduate students in response to removal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In the spring of 2025, we collected responses from 226 undergraduate students and calculated a total score of perceived organizational support. We also collected responses to open ended questions regarding perceptions of support, inclusion, and removal of DEI programs to undergo thematic analysis. The non-significant interaction of gender and ethnicity showed that diverse participants did not experience different levels of perceived organizational support. However, qualitative data indicate that respondents from underrepresented groups experience less perceived organizational support.

Authors

• Ariannely Hernandez, University of Alabama

• Eric Hernandez, University of Alabama