Chapter 1: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Higher Education: Praxis, Pedagogy, and Research

Diversity work is a labor of passion and love. It requires sincerity. The labor associated with advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in higher education occurs around the clock and involves a comprehensive approach that touches upon emotional, psychological, social, professional, and spiritual domains. It is the acknowledgement of these overlapping domains that prompted the development of this text. The successful implementation and integration of DEIB at colleges and universities reaches across identity, and fills gaps in curricula, service, and policy with intentionality and purpose. For those committed to the task of doing the work, knowing where to begin and what to do is often the preeminent challenge. Still, with some effort, we can all learn to create quality educational experiences, even if the most readily available instrument is simply a “shoestring.”