ABSTRACT
A marker of the importance of diversity and inclusion is the prominence of the diversity function on the institution's home page. In developing a persuasive case for diversity and inclusion, consideration of context-specific factors will help identify the specific elements pertinent to the institutional diversity mission. Articulation of the academic/mission-centered case for diversity can help mitigate legal risk in the pursuit of diversity goals. The challenges to race-sensitive or race-conscious policies in recent Supreme Court cases make it imperative for colleges and universities to articulate why diversity is a compelling interest in terms of preparing graduates for careers and citizenship in a diverse global society. The academic case for diversity ideally resides within the institution’s overarching mission statement but can be articulated in greater specificity within the mission of divisions, schools, colleges, and departments, as well as through curricular goals such as general education requirements and cocurricular objectives.
