Implementing the Framework for Advancing Anti-Racism Strategies on College Campuses: Experiences of Senior Diversity Officers in Jesuit Catholic Higher Education

This qualitative descriptive study explored the experience of Senior Diversity Officers (SDOs) or comparable positions in implementing the frameworks for anti-racism strategies at Jesuit colleges and universities. The study explored how, if at all, SDOs think the Jesuit character impacted the implementation of frameworks and the move toward anti-racism. The study involved qualitative descriptive analysis of interviews with 10 SDOs from 27 Jesuit Catholic colleges and universities. Four main themes emerged, including (a) new leadership and directives for DEI frameworks and strategies, (b) evolving complexities of SDOs' role, (c) intentionality toward caring for all SDOs, and (d) connecting Jesuit character and SDOs experience with the work. A Design Thinking model was outlined, supporting a human-centered solution approach to address and enhance the experiences of SDOs and the work. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to SDOs' more profound understanding of Jesuit character and impact the implementation of frameworks toward anti-racism and DEI strategies. The findings provided insights for enhancing diversity practitioners' experiences amidst DEI demands, helping to create solutions for more intentional, sustainable structures and services for SDOs and DEI strategies within and beyond Jesuit higher education. Keywords: leadership, anti-racism, senior diversity officer, DEI, Jesuit higher education

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Lowe, Patricia Narcisse

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ford, Debra J.

• Anti-Racism Framework
• Cura Personalis
• Ignatian Leadership
• Jesuit Higher Education
• Leadership
• Senior Diversity Officers

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://cdr.creighton.edu/handle/10504/154044

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/154044