Leveraging Power: A Multiple Embedded Case Study of Institutional Change Efforts for Racial Equity at Four Private Universities

ABSTRACT

Despite research signaling the need to advance racial equity in university policies and practices, power dynamics in institutional change processes are not well understood. Using a constructivist embedded multiple case study design, critical theoretical perspective, and explanation-building technique, we analyzed how four private institutions with demonstrable change in student success and closing racial equity gaps in graduation rates enacted diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts over the last 5 years. Findings led to understanding how institutional agents synergistically used strategies in two phases: one, advocates, partnerships and coalitions, and capacity-building; second: resources, assessment, and accountability.

KEYWORDS:

• Racial equity
• diversity
• institutional change
• multiple case study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Santa Clara University .