Abstract
Dominant cultural narratives help shape literature and literary education, often muting diverse voices and perspectives. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in higher education seek to transform curricula, expand representation, and reshape how identity is constructed and interpreted in literature. This study explores the impact of DEI policies on identity formation, cultural representation, and interpretative shifts in literary education. By analyzing university syllabi and survey responses from students and scholars, this research investigates whether DEI initiatives diversify literary traditions or introduce ideological constraints to literary analysis. This research anchors three themes: (1) the expansion of cultural identity in literature through the inclusion of historically excluded voices, (2) the consequences of removing DEI policies and practices, including the potential erasure of marginalized perspectives, and (3) shifts in literary interpretation. DEI policy changes spurred ongoing debates around book bans, curriculum changes, and institutional resistance to literature. This study contributes to discussions on the role of literary education in fostering inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning environments. The research involves cultural studies, literary studies, and education policy intersecting critical race theory, postcolonial literature, and curriculum development utilizing a mixed-method approach using content analysis of university syllabi, qualitative survey analysis, and scholarly discourse via interviews with students and scholars. This study will assess how DEI policies influence identity, representation, and cultural narratives in literature. The results provide insights for educators, scholars, and legislatures addressing literary traditions, identity complexities in the modern academic landscape, and representation.
Presenters
Deatra L NealResearch Consultant, upcoming Editor , Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, UNCF, Georgia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Past and Present in the Humanistic Education
KEYWORDS
Keywords: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, DEI, Policy, Curriculum, Identity, Literature
