Equity and Inclusion in Honors: A Case Study of Admissions Changes

Creative levers for change often emerge in times of institutional
uncertainty. As higher education continues to confront institutional racism,
honors programs can exercise their power to increase diversity and educational
outcomes for excluded and marginalized students, as well as influence
related university-level policy. This case study chronicles dramatic changes
to admissions policies and programmatic offerings in honors between 2020-
2023. Changes in admissions practices markedly diversified the student body,
moving it from a 60% white population to 60% minority population in just
three years. Conversations around race and racism were initiated, inculcating
a culture of inclusion rather than elitist exceptionalism. As activism and
accountability coalesced, authors observe changes in student culture and
a period of pushback from university administration. A student-faculty
coalition formed to ultimately ensure change. This study shows that changing
diversity and inclusion policies in honors is possible and worthwhile, while
also challenging, complex, and perpetually incomplete. The authors’ narrative
provides guidance for others contemplating similar changes, positing that
honors education is worth defending if it remains a place where the soul of
the educational mission is preserved, defended, and made available to all who
genuinely desire to participate in it.