Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

The U.S. Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Integral to furthering that mission is supporting efforts to create diverse and welcoming campus communities for all students. Toward that end, the Obama Administration has encouraged institutions not only to attract and admit students from various backgrounds and experiences, but to support and retain these students once on campus. The Administration has also supported efforts by institutions of higher education to use legally permissible strategies to promote student body diversity on their campuses, including by issuing guidance and technical assistance to help institutions do so. Through all of these strategies, we can achieve the goal of preparing all of the nation’s students to be great citizens of the world and to compete in a global environment. While highlighting the Obama Administration’s efforts to promote diversity in institutions of higher education, this report shows the continuing educational inequities and opportunity gaps in accessing and completing a quality postsecondary education.