The Role of HBCUs in Tackling Issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Abstract

Since the mid-1800s, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been educating a majority of Black Americans. These 105 institutions serve more than 300,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from diverse backgrounds, various socio economic levels, and academic achievement levels. And, it is important that they continue on this challenging journey of addressing the unique needs of the HBCU student by becoming more efficient and focused on their program offerings with minimal state support and shrinking federal funding. Further, systems mandates, board governance, affirmative action, and civil unrest oftentimes camouflage the historic role of the HBCU. Questions arise as to the relevance of these historic institutions when the student, faculty, and staff demographics begin to shift in an effort to compete for the quality and quantity of students enrolling at majority institutions. It is imperative that we continue having crucial conversations surrounding the essence of this challenge. Diversity is our strength and a reality that should not be ignored. What better institution to exemplify inclusive excellence than a HBCU? This chapter will address how these historic institutions can continue to celebrate their legacy while embracing the rich dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Citation

Winn, J., Bryan, K.C. and Tyler, A.L. (2018), "The Role of HBCUs in Tackling Issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion", Underserved Populations at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Diversity in Higher Education, Vol. 21), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 129-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-364420180000021009