Erasing gender and race demographics: A critical discourse analysis of law school class profiles

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 11:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Division J Section 6: Roundtable 1

Abstract

Broader sociopolitical contexts inform how we categorize, collect, code, and report demographic data in higher education. Current attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) affect inclusive approaches to demographic data collection and reporting. Additionally, these attacks on DEI make it more challenging for graduate and professional schools to attract diverse applicants. Considering these disparate forces, we examine how racial and gender demographics are categorized and represented on the class profile webpages of 195 American Bar Association (ABA)- accredited law schools using critical discourse analysis. Informed by critical quantitative inquiry, we highlight how race and gender categorizations reflect dominant sociopolitical discourse. Our research sheds light on how both racial and gender data are represented during a unique political moment.

Authors

• Khadejah Ray, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Megan Holland Iantosca, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Karly Ford, Pennsylvania State University