enhance the diversity | Campus Safe Words

TERM: enhance the diversity
RISK LEVEL: extreme

Definition

“Enhance the diversity” refers to efforts aimed at increasing the representation of individuals from various backgrounds within a group, program, or institution. In higher education, the phrase is commonly found in faculty hiring materials, admissions strategies, strategic plans, and grant applications, typically as part of goals to broaden demographic or experiential variety.

Why It’s Risky

The phrase “enhance the diversity” is now heavily scrutinized in states with anti-DEI laws and in the current federal climate under Executive Order 14173, which prohibits identity-conscious practices in federally funded institutions. Under laws like Texas Senate Bill 17 and Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act, this phrase is seen as signaling intent to use race, gender, or other protected characteristics as factors in decision-making. Critics argue that “enhance the diversity” implies demographic engineering or ideological preferences, which may conflict with equal treatment standards. When used in job postings, hiring rubrics, grant narratives, or academic program descriptions, this phrase can draw legal review, trigger compliance audits, or risk loss of funding—particularly from federal agencies now directed to reject DEI-based criteria.

Common Critiques

Opponents contend that the phrase promotes identity-based selection and undermines principles of merit, neutrality, and academic excellence. In hiring or admissions contexts, “enhance the diversity” is often viewed as a coded endorsement of race- or gender-based preferences. Some lawmakers and trustees see it as part of a broader ideological agenda that prioritizes social outcomes over individual achievement. In faculty evaluations or research programs, the phrase may be interpreted as promoting conformity to progressive narratives under the guise of inclusion. Under current federal guidance, any reference to diversity as a criterion—rather than an incidental outcome—raises red flags regarding equal protection, nondiscrimination, and viewpoint neutrality. Use of this phrase has been cited in legal threats, state investigations, and public records requests aimed at curbing perceived DEI mandates.

Suggested Substitutes

Expand outreach and access (in admissions or hiring language)
Attract a broad range of candidates (in faculty or leadership recruitment)
Include varied perspectives and experiences (in research or classroom contexts)
Broaden institutional engagement (in community or pipeline programs)
Strengthen academic representation across disciplines and regions (in strategic plans)

These substitutes preserve inclusive intent while reducing legal and political risk.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

Use of “enhance the diversity” may still be appropriate in legacy grant language or academic research when the term is precisely defined and focused on lawful objectives (e.g., first-generation students or geographic diversity). In most public-facing or policy documents, however, this phrase should be avoided under current state and federal restrictions.

NOTES: When discussing representation, frame goals around lawful access, institutional mission, and outcome-based objectives. Avoid implying that demographic characteristics are a basis for selection or evaluation. Focus instead on transparency, fairness, and the academic or operational value of a broad applicant or participant pool.