diversifying | Campus Safe Words

TERM: diversifying
RISK LEVEL: high

Definition

“Diversifying” refers to the ongoing effort to increase variety within a group, system, or activity, often through the intentional inclusion of individuals from different demographic, cultural, or experiential backgrounds. In higher education, the term is commonly used in strategic planning, hiring initiatives, curriculum development, and outreach efforts to describe goals related to broadening representation or perspectives.

Why It’s Risky

Though widely used in institutional documents, “diversifying” is politically charged in states where DEI frameworks are restricted or under legislative scrutiny. Conservative lawmakers and oversight bodies increasingly interpret the term as a signal for identity-based intervention—particularly in hiring, admissions, or programming—potentially in conflict with new laws prohibiting preferential treatment based on race, sex, or other protected categories. Under policies like Texas Senate Bill 17 and Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act, references to “diversifying” faculty or leadership may trigger compliance reviews, especially if the term appears in job descriptions, search committee charges, or public-facing strategic goals.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that “diversifying” often implies a prescriptive goal to adjust demographic composition, which they contend undermines principles of merit, neutrality, and individual assessment. In hiring and admissions, the term is seen by some as justifying informal quotas or ideological filtering. In curricular contexts, it may be viewed as a rationale for replacing traditional content with activist-oriented material. Some policy advocates also criticize the vagueness of “diversifying,” noting that institutions often use the term without specifying how success is measured or aligned with educational objectives. When used in public communications, it can suggest alignment with contested ideologies and invite scrutiny from trustees, donors, or legislative auditors. Institutions that frame “diversifying” as a moral imperative rather than an educational strategy may be especially vulnerable to criticism in politically conservative settings.

Suggested Substitutes

Expanding access and opportunity (in admissions or student success programs)
Broadening academic engagement (in faculty recruitment or course offerings)
Attracting a wide talent pool (in hiring or leadership development)
Enhancing institutional reach (in community partnerships or outreach)
Increasing participation from underrepresented regions or disciplines (in grant writing or strategic planning)

These alternatives emphasize goals tied to mission, performance, and fairness rather than identity categories.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Diversifying” may still be appropriate in grant proposals, accreditation reports, or scholarly work where the term is defined and supported by clear outcomes. It is also acceptable in disciplines that study access, equity, or population dynamics, provided the context is academic and not prescriptive. Avoid using the term in policy statements, program descriptions, or hiring materials unless explicitly tied to legally defensible objectives.

NOTES: Avoid using “diversifying” as a blanket justification for institutional change. When broadening participation or outreach, focus on how efforts improve educational quality, operational effectiveness, or compliance with established laws. Anchor all messaging in mission-driven outcomes to reduce political and legal risk.