Student Perceptions of US College Institutional Diversity Efforts and Identity Safety

ABSTRACT Institutional diversity efforts are one way that colleges and institutions can support historically underrepresented students. What do different types of organizational diversity cues actually signal to students, and how do they influence broader diversity goals such as students’ feelings of identity safety? Using both qualitative and quantitative measures, we assessed how women of color, men of color, White women, and White men US undergraduate students perceived their institution's real, on‐the‐ground efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We assessed the specific diversity initiatives undergraduates recalled and how effective they perceived those efforts to be. We also linked these perceptions to students’ feelings of identity safety (i.e., belonging, authenticity, and fit) and their beliefs about their institution's genuine commitment to diversity. Our data suggest that institutional diversity efforts can be effective and make a positive difference in the lives of all students (not only those who are targeted).