Abstract
The research asks the question, What role do American liberal arts institutions play in implementing social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives? To answer this question, the project investigates how Brandeis University's undergraduate students and staff perceive and experience the university's mission of social justice. The study aims to compare the depictions of social justice by the Office of Communications, Marketing, and External Relations with the actual experiences of undergraduate students. The goal is to understand the relationship between the two.
The researcher conducted interviews with both undergraduate students and staff from the Office of Communications, Marketing, and External Relations. The questions focused on daily life as a Brandeis student or staff member, perceptions of social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the role of Brandeis' mission to social justice in shaping their experiences.
The study found that most students feel that the institution still has progress to make in fulfilling its social justice mission. There are many observed disconnects within the community, including between students, students and faculty, students and administration, and faculty and administration, among others. Additionally, there appears to be a collision of missions and a difference in expectations versus reality within the mission and the marketing and communication content made for the institution.
"Social Justice within Higher Education: The Case of Brandeis University" contributes to an understanding of the implementation of social justice initiatives within higher education institutions. By highlighting the perspectives of those directly involved in the university's mission, this research aims to inform future initiatives and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.