Examining the Status of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in U.S. Catholic Colleges and Universities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Research and Practice in Catholic Education

Abstract

This research study investigated U.S. Catholic Colleges and Universities to determine if they have moved beyond celebrations of cultures, recognition of marginalized group heritage months, and special commencement celebrations for their underrepresented students. Guided by three research questions, to what degree has DEI been implemented in the institution? What impact do the CCU’s Catholic social justice missions have on the implementation of DEI initiatives? and, how has the DEI implementation helped to promote authentic change and a greater sense of belonging for underrepresented students, staff, and faculty members? This research found that CCU’s with mission statements that included diversity, equity, and inclusion were found to have higher diversity scorecard metrics than the CCU’s with separate mission and DEI statements.

Author

• Edward Garcia Fierros, Villanova University