11429: Diversity from the Center: An Exploration of Present and Future Diversity Research and Practice

Many universities have research centers dedicated to workplace diversity research, seeking to provide resources and advice on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Recent societal and organizational trends have shifted away from diversity, with changes at the state and federal level having funding and support implications for diversity research. The question becomes, how are diversity- focused research centers and institutions navigating the changing landscape of DEI? This symposium aims to gain perspectives from key leadership at university diversity focused institutes and centers in the midst of the current backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion. The goal of this panel symposium is to engage a group of scholars and practitioners in a moderated discussion of 1) the work and aims of university centers and institutions, 2) how they navigate and provide services with the current political climate, and 3) how junior and senior scholars can best work with their institutions to spark new avenues for future research. This panel will include four experts: Lisa Nishii, a professor at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and the director of the ILR school’s Center for Workplace Inclusion and Diversity Education; Leora Eisenstadt, an associate professor at Temple University’s Fox School of Business and director of Temple’s Center for Ethics, Diversity, and Workplace Culture; Fitore Hyseni, director of research at Syracuse University’s Burton Blatt Institute for disability research; and Florence Villeséche, an associate professor at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) and former director of Business in Society Platform for Diversity and Difference.