Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Higher Education: The Case of Indiana University

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the theme of the IndianaUniversity Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's (OVPDEI) Annual Reports (2021-2022, 2022-2023). This research employs a qualitative research methodologywiththematic and social network analysis as its methodological frameworks. The 2021-2022 OVPDEI Annual Report identified four main themes—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)—encompassing 16 sub-themes. The 2022-2023 OVPDEI Annual Report retained the same four primary themes —encompassing 16 sub-themes. However, it evolved its approach, reflecting a shift toward systemic and data-driven strategies. Both reports share recurring themes such as community engagement, cultural competency, and support mechanisms, which remain critical to fostering inclusion and belonging. However, the 2022-2023 report introduced unique elements such as policy development, feedback, and adaptation. The evolution from broad foundational efforts in 2021-2022 to actionable, systemic strategies in 2022-2023 mirrors best practices in higher education that prioritize representation and structural change. This study highlights Indiana University's progression in addressing DEIB through increasingly targeted and systemic initiatives. The shift from foundational approaches in 2021-2022 to more robust, data-driven strategies in 2022-2023 demonstrates the institution's responsiveness to evolving challenges and priorities.Esra Tore*Keywords: Diversity; Equity; Inclusion; Belonging; U.S. Higher Education; Indiana University*Corresponding author’s email: esra.tore@izu.edu.tr; esratore@iu.edu