What Research Evidence Tells Us About the Role of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)in Helping All Students Succeed

Well before “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” became known as “DEI,” many initiatives aimed at promoting postsecondary student success and persistence to graduation were well-researched and documented. Recently, “DEI” has become a public and political flashpoint, generating confusion about how to support the success/persistence of all college students, and raising questions about whether such efforts are legally permissible. This impartial evidence-based analysis includes: a brief account of recent policy changes impacting student success/persistence reforms; prominent evidence-based interventions that strengthen postsecondary student retention and graduation rates; and best practices institutions can utilize to maximize all students’ success in the current legal and political climate.