A Review of Research and Organizational Efforts for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Kinesiology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an emerging topic for many institutions of higher education and should be integrated into departmental and university culture. The purpose of this review is to discuss how recent kinesiology research and organizations have emphasized DEI to provide faculty and staff with contemporary information for improving this aspect in the field of kinesiology. Literature within the vast field of kinesiology has shown that women and black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) have been underrepresented among tenured faculty. The literature provides a deep analysis of the challenges faced in the academy as well as strategies to improve departmental and institutional DEI culture. Several organizations have also emphasized DEI. The American College of Sports Medicine has developed programming that provides avenues to organizational leadership for women and BIPOC. Additionally, the American Kinesiology Association recognizes kinesiology departments for excellence in DEI. Collectively, this information can be used to help kinesiology departments recruit and retain faculty who are BIPOC and build a culture for DEI within their faculty, staff, and students. However, more information and shared ideas are necessary for concepts such as providing writing assistance for faculty and students whose first language is not English and racial and gender-based disparities that exist with research participant inclusion and eligibility.