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

Authors

  • Denise M. Hill Creighton University image/svg+xml
  • Oscar T. Lenning PTB & Associates
  • Laurie Miller McNeill Westchester Community
  • Paul T. Bucci PTB & Associates
  • Douglas A. Fox PTB & Associates

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v25i5.8006

Keywords:

higher education, colleges, universities, students, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, access, objective, research-based, evidence, tested methods, student benefits, student success, graduation rates, retention, persistence to graduation

Abstract

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.

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Published

2025-12-15

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Hill, D. M., Lenning , O. T., McNeill , L. M., Bucci, P. T., & Fox, D. A. (2025). What Research Evidence Tells Us About the Role of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)in Helping All Students Succeed. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 25(5). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v25i5.8006