ABSTRACT
A diverse faculty has many women and people of color among contingent ranks as well as tenured and permanent lines. This chapter takes a brief look at some issues and trends on the topic of faculty diversity. A diverse faculty not only helps avoid group think by drawing in people from divergent backgrounds but also helps students of color feel more included, particularly at predominantly White institutions. In theory, ideal levels of faculty diversity are fairly straightforward and should match the diversity of the population served. Because of the overall progress in academia over the past several decades, gender imbalances among faculty have diminished considerably. Gender inequality is likely to be more insidious in certain disciplines, such as those that attract more male applicants. When gender and racial equity characterize the faculty ranks among contingent and permanent positions, the impacts will be felt at all levels of the university.
