Articulating diversity on campus: A critical discourse analysis of diversity statements at historically white institutions.

Abstract

The purpose of this Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was to examine how diversity is articulated via institutional diversity statements. Drawing on statements from 92 historically white institutions, the study examined both what institutions convey as significant via diversity statements and the subsequent consequences of such language. Guided by Thomas’s (2018, 2020) diversity regimes as a theoretical framework and Van Dijk’s (1993) sociocognitive approach to CDA, we consider the ways in which institutions of higher education exert control in defining the meanings associated with diversity in university life. Results highlight four discourses that functioned across the 92 statements.

Diversities at US Colleges and Universities: Online Diversity Statements at Institutions Employing Chief Diversity Officers

“…This list is not exhaustive, but is remarkable in that diversity (778 occurrences) is used about 70 times more often than any of the oppressors listed in Table 3. Thus, our overall finding with respect to whether diversity statements at HEIs employing CDOs center systemic oppression is that they do not, consistent with much of the extant literature; we, like Foste et al (2022) "are left to question how one could possibly detail institutional objectives related to diversity without also talking about whiteness or the toxic and constraining realities imposed by the gender binary" (p. 12). Rather, statements tended to be general rather than detailed, laying a foundation for some version of campus diversity that omitted specific issues/goals around specific, marginalized identities.…”

“…titled as such), had an identified author (i.e. president, provost, diversity committee), whether the statement was dated, as well as location within the institution's website structure (Foste et al, 2022). These data were coupled with institution level descriptive data gathered from IPEDS.…”

Psychology, race, and “the politics of truth”.

“…More specifically, critical discourse analysts want to know what structures, strategies or other properties of text, talk, verbal interaction or communicative events play a role in these modes of reproduction. (Van Dijk, 1993, p. 250)There is no single accepted protocol for the implementation of CDA, a flexible qualitative approach that has been applied throughout the social sciences; the wide range of CDA samples have ranged in size and composition from a single text to hundreds of news items and photos (e.g., Dworin & Bomer, 2008; Foste et al, 2022; Martínez Lirola, 2022). We developed the approach to be described here by beginning with an extensive study of the CDA literature (e.g., Fairclough & Wodak, 1997; Van Dijk, 1993, 2015).…”

Values Are More Than Statements: Connecting Actions to Values to Build Inclusive Cultures in Chemistry Research Groups

“…These statements also often lacked clearly defined actions beyond merely listening, making it challenging to design accountability structures to uphold the values. 3,9 While these values and mission statements are meant to "trickle down" to change organizational culture, few systemic values do so in a practical manner and can be challenged by other priorities. 10,11 In particular, institutions within higher education have many competing interests to consider�the needs of the students, faculty, staff, administration, legislation, and greater communities.…”

“…Further, the statements contained vague definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion that did not name power and privilege structures, structuralized inequities, or racism. These statements also often lacked clearly defined actions beyond merely listening, making it challenging to design accountability structures to uphold the values. , …”