Presence of Inclusive Statements on R1 Institutions of Higher Education’s Websites (Stage 3, 2:26 PM)

• In Event: e-Lightning Ed-Talk Session 18 - Stage 3

Abstract

This study investigates the presence and visibility of diversity statements of R1 institutions of higher education. Using content analysis of 20 randomly selected university websites, two researchers assessed the availability of institutional diversity statements, homepage context, and homepage links to diversity-related content in 2023 and 2025. Findings reveal that most institutions include diversity statements somewhere on their webpages, yet few featured them on their homepages. The study documents notable changes following the 2025 federal Executive Orders targeting DEI initiatives. Several universities remove or revised DEI language, which may be in response to shifting political mandates. Guided by social identity theory, this research highlights implications of public-facing diversity messaging for transparency and belonging on colleges campuses.

Authors

• YeVonne Allen, Truckee Meadows Community College

• Lynda R. Wiest, University of Nevada - Reno