The U.S. is becoming more diverse every decade. This is especially true for Americans under the age of 18. According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population under age 18 was more racially and ethnically diverse than the population age 18 and over. With this vast increase in diversity, DEI in education has become necessary to ensure that every student has equal access to educational opportunities.

However, DEI efforts, especially DEI in education, have become a fiercely debated topic. Many critics argue that DEI is an unnecessary addition to academic systems. Meanwhile, proponents of diversity and inclusion urge school systems to incorporate DEI programs to ensure that all students have a chance to succeed. 

Ahead, we discuss what DEI in education is and the history of DEI programs. We also cover why DEI in education is important and how DEI programs can be improved.

What Is DEI in Education? 

DEI in education refers to efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in schools, universities and other educational institutions. Diversity refers to bringing together people from different backgrounds. These backgrounds include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. Equity refers to each individual’s ability to succeed and find equal opportunities as part of a diverse group. Inclusion refers to an institution’s efforts to include different types of people in leadership and other crucial roles.

DEI in education refers to the efforts academic leaders take to ensure students from diverse backgrounds feel seen, valued and heard. These efforts can include members of the school system beyond students, such as families, schoolteachers and other staff members. Schools across the U.S. differ widely in demographics, histories and levels of urbanization. For this reason, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for implementing DEI.

The History of DEI Programs in Schools 

DEI in education dates back to the 18th century. During that time, schoolteacher, Quaker and abolitionist Anthony Benezet worked to make education more equitable in Germantown, PA. Benezet did not use terms like “diversity, equity and inclusion” at the time, but he taught students of diverse backgrounds, even in his home.

Benezet became a teacher in 1739, a time when strict, physical punishments were common in schools. He rejected this approach and treated his students with respect. He also changed his teaching methods as needed to fit the various learning needs of his students. Benezet believed that children of all genders, races and abilities deserved to have equitable access to educational opportunities.

His forward-thinking philosophy was not common practice in the 18th century. Even today, many school districts continue to resist DEI initiatives. But his work paved the way for future efforts to make education more equitable. In 1954, Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark Supreme Court decision that helped push for equity in the education system. However, the 21st century has seen a push against DEI in education.

In the first half of 2023, state legislatures proposed over 30 bills requesting the removal of DEI programs in state universities. Many more proposals followed to prohibit DEI initiatives in elementary and high schools.

According to 2023 research by the Pew Research Center, only 34% of K-12 school mission statements highlight the importance of DEI. This research shows that including DEI in mission statements is influenced by political views. It can also vary based on the geopolitical makeup of the school district. The research also indicated that urban and suburban school districts were twice as likely as those in rural areas to mention DEI.

Why Is DEI Training Important in Education?

DEI in education is important because it helps school staff handle issues that come with growing diversity in schools. As student populations grow more diverse, students and faculty face new issues. Solving these complex issues requires an understanding of various aspects of culture. This is why representation is so powerful, especially in communities that lack diversity.

DEI also provides students and staff with other benefits, including:

• Positive impacts on attitudes
• Better critical thinking skills
• Higher rates of academic success
• Increased community support 
• Preparation for their experience as adults in the global economy

Ways to Improve DEI Programs in Schools

To improve DEI education, school leaders and staff all need to understand that it is an ongoing journey. It is not a matter of implementing a single initiative or box to check — it is a continuous commitment to partnership, iteration and equity. Some of the ways school officials can improve DEI programs include: 

• Developing a tailored DEI plan that is context-specific to the school’s needs 
• Implementing DEI training for school staff
• Appointing a dedicated DEI leader to hold people accountable
• Hosting forums to collect feedback 
• Diversifying the curriculum offered to students or incorporating discussions into lessons organically
• Tracking progress against realistic goals and adjusting initiatives accordingly

Journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell shares research and insights about DEI issues in his 2024 book Revenge of the Tipping Point. His research points out that communities and organizations can experience rapid change when they reach certain tipping points. In his book, he points to the concept of the “Magic Third.” This idea explains how increasing representation in more than one-third of a population can help the group reach a tipping point in fairness. In board rooms, for example, female board members feel more equity when women represent more than one-third of the board’s population.

Most school mission statements may not address DEI. But 80% of the public schools in the 2023 Pew Research Center report included language preparing their students for the future. Considering that we are reaching a cultural tipping point, what could prepare students for the future more than learning how to succeed in a diverse environment?

To learn more about DEI and stay up to date with the latest from Robert F. Smith, follow him on LinkedIn.