From flattening discourse to hot moments: Dutch communication student perspectives of diversity and their educational experiences

Critical approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education are crucial for fostering inclusive learning environments. This paper examines student perceptions of diversity in a communication science department at a large Western European research university. Building on literature emphasizing the importance of student voices in DEI initiatives, the study explores how students conceptualize and experience diversity in their classrooms. Unlike much of the existing research focused on North American/Anglophone universities, this study provides a unique perspective through the lens the Dutch higher-education context. Thematic analysis of focus-group discussions with bachelor’s and master’s students reveals two main trends: a flattening of diversity discourses and the challenges and benefits of classroom conflict or hot moments. The findings reveal how students perceive and navigate diversity, identifying alignments and disjunctions with existing literature. This research contributes to DEI discourse by advocating for inclusive and reflexive diversity approaches in communication science education.