Confronting the Embedded Nature of Whiteness: Reflections on a Multi-Campus Project to Diversify the Professoriate

Abstract

This paper examines the persistence of whiteness in DEI initiatives. Through case studies at three universities, the authors consider the challenges and successes of resisting the embedded nature of whiteness. They argue that equity within faculty reward systems is only possible by decentering white voices, recognizing BIPOC faculty expertise, and resisting tokenization. A shift in thinking that moves away from an instrumental value of BIPOC faculty—their labor is valuable insofar as they provide “diversity” for the institution and contribute to student success—and towards recognition of the inherent value of their research and leadership is crucial to more fully realizing equity.