A new survey of college-bound students found diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies are not driving school choices, but the “conceptual benefits” of DEI-related efforts are strongly supported among the new crop of freshmen.
“We really wanted to dive in and see where students really stood on what is a very public and vigorous debate (over DEI),” said Craig Goebel, a principal at Art & Science Group, a consulting firm that works with nonprofit educational institutions.
He said there’s a lot of confusion over DEI and related issues among new college students. Nearly half of the surveyed students said they believed colleges could consider race in admissions, despite the 2023 Supreme Court ruling outlawing it.
Nearly two-thirds believed race-based financial aid was allowed, though Art & Science Group said that issue exists in a “contested legal and political space.”
Less than a quarter of students sought DEI information at colleges they considered. Goebel said they found students didn’t really factor in DEI efforts when picking a college.
More than 60% expressed at least some level of concern that DEI efforts on campuses are under threat.
Art & Science Group found that most new college students supported DEI-related initiatives such as training campus security in DEI, establishing and maintaining cultural centers, policy advocacy on DEI issues, equity partnerships, faculty DEI research and mentorship programs.
Race-based admissions, race-based housing and DEI course requirements mattered least to students.
Art & Science Group found bipartisan support for race/social justice courses, targeted outreach, diversity goals and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) orientation.
Goebel said students don’t appear “as polarized as we might expect them to be.” Overall, at least three-quarters of students wanted to attend a college where they felt represented and understood, where students with differing political views can engage in respectful dialogue and where students of all races and ethnicities are supported.
“Their expectations around belonging on campus are as important as academics are to them,” Goebel said. “So, this is a critical issue for them.”
Nearly two-thirds of the surveyed students said they were very or somewhat likely to participate in DEI-related activities on campus, such as student organizations, workshops or events.
LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and women expressed more concerns about DEI on campus being threatened. White, male, and cisgender straight students expressed fewer concerns.
President Donald Trump has targeted DEI programs on college campuses. The Chronicle of Higher Education has tracked more than 130 anti-DEI bills at the state and federal levels over the last couple of years.
Goebel said colleges have a tricky, politically charged issue to navigate in DEI.
“First and foremost, they have to pay a lot of attention to and adhere to federal and state policy and law,” Goebel said. “I think it goes without saying, consequences of not doing so can be extremely severe in today’s environment. At the same time, we know that … a lot of the values and goals of DEI-related efforts are central to an institution and their mission, and also incredibly important to college-going students.
“I think it’s going to be important to keep sight of what the values are that you’re looking to live up to and find legal and appropriate ways of still reinforcing those values.”
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