diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies: learning from journalism and mass communication programs with professional impact

Exploring DEI initiatives and practices at U.S. college and university journalism and mass communication (JMC) programs this book puts forward ideas and strategies for ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in a great variety of academic units. Building on multicultural education research, this book advances a diversity education framework that entails that works with a program’s culture, students, faculty & staff, curriculum, and teaching in the context of JMC programs.

The book reflects on the increase in DEI programming following the racial injustice protests of 2020 as well as the politically motivated restrictions some US states are implementing against DEI initiatives. With the wisdom of experienced professors and program directors as well as industry professionals, the book explores the ultimate efficacy of diversity education and offers practical recommendations for developing and implementing a DEI plan.

While the insights in this book are gathered from JMC programs, they offer pertinent recommendations and calls to action for related academic programs in liberal arts and professional studies.

Masudul K. Biswas is a professor of the Communication Department at Loyola University Maryland. In 2023, Dr. Biswas received a Faculty Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship at Loyola University Maryland. He was selected as a fellow of the AEJMC’s Institute for Diverse Leadership class of 2023-24. He was the head of the AEJMC’s Minorities and Communication Division in 2015-16. His major research interests are ethnic and community news media, diversity in journalism and mass communication education, communication and development, and global media system. Dorothy M. Bland is a journalism professor and former dean at the University of North Texas Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism. In 2022, she was the recipient of the national SPJ Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award. In 2019, she was named one of the top 35 women in higher education by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. During her tenure as dean, the Mayborn School of Journalism launched a master’s degree in digital communication analytics and earned the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s Equity and Diversity Award. Dr. Bland has worked 25 years in the news industry, including newspapers in five states and USA Today. Diversity, digital news, media management and social media are among her research interests.