The Important Role of Leadership in Creating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plans in U.S. Higher Education



Author Information

Beatriz DeSantiago-Fjelstad, Minnesota State University, United States
Leslie Darmofal, Minnesota State University, United States
Kelly Meier, Diversity, Minnesota State University, United States
Henry Morris, Minnesota State University, United States
Luis Posas, Minnesota State University, United States

Abstract

This brief discusses the challenges and strategies involved in creating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plans in U.S. higher education institutions. It highlights the importance and critical role of leadership in this process, particularly the need for courageous leadership to overcome the barriers posed by the pushback, political resistance, and structural narratives to DEI plans. This brief illustrates the complexities of creating DEI plans and offers strategies to foster inclusive environments. The discussion emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment and actionable DEI plans beyond performative or symbolic steps, instilling confidence in the potential for significant and enduring institutional evolution.


Paper Information

Conference: ACEID2026
Stream: Higher education

This paper is part of the ACEID2026 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
DeSantiago-Fjelstad B., Darmofal L., Meier K., Morris H., & Posas L. (2026) The Important Role of Leadership in Creating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plans in U.S. Higher Education ISSN: 2189-101X – The Asian Conference on Education & International Development 2026 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 33-41) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-101X.2026.3
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-101X.2026.3


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Posted by James Alexander Gordon