Achieving Mission-Driven Diversity and Inclusion Goals

Posted by Association of American Colleges and Universities on April 18, 2016

AAC&U is pleased to share with our members a new research-based publication confirming the educational value of diversity and outlining the practices—institutional and curricular—that ensure that students reap this educational value. This research is especially timely given the forthcoming US Supreme Court decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin.

http://educationcounsel.com/?publication=bridging-research-practice-gap-achieving-mission-driven-diversity-inclusion-goals

Bridging the Research to Practice Gap: Achieving Mission-Driven Diversity and Inclusion Goals, a new publication from EducationCounsel informed in part by research developed and published by AAC&U, aims to help institutions of higher education leverage existing research to enhance their ability to meet mission-driven diversity and inclusion goals through well-supported policies and practices. Based on a review of more than 1,200 research studies and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders over three years, the paper examines and summarizes the existing research and highlights particularly promising findings. Additionally, the paper provides recommendations for policy, practice, and future research in hopes of continuing to bridge the research-to-practice gap.

AAC&U joined 37 other associations in submitting an amicus brief supporting the University of Texas in the Supreme Court case, arguing for the continuing compelling interest in colleges and universities considering race as part of holistic reviews in admissions. Regardless of the court’s decision, AAC&U believes that diversity offers compelling educational benefits to all students. Diversity and equity are fundamental goals of higher education; they are also valuable resources for learning that is vital to democracy, to a democratic workforce, and to the global position and well-being of the United States. AAC&U’s commitment to make excellence inclusive—to bring the benefits of liberal education to all students—is rooted deeply in commitment to a diverse, informed, and civically active society.

Learn more online about AAC&U’s resources on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence.

http://www.aacu.org/resources/diversity-equity-and-inclusive-excellence