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2024

Diversity

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Elementary School Teacher’S Experiences Of Open Studio Process In Examining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Topics, Tiffany Thompson May 2024

Elementary School Teacher’S Experiences Of Open Studio Process In Examining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Topics, Tiffany Thompson

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research study examined the experiences of two Black female teachers and six White female teachers who participated in five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshops that incorporated Open Studio Process (OSP) using Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC). It is informed by research on defensiveness and resistance that often accompanies and presents barriers to effective DEI training.

All eight study participants were elementary school teachers, ages 22-56. Participants engaged in five workshops that used artistic mediums to explore DEI topics. Participants visually and metaphorically represented their experiences. Results were analyzed using qualitative techniques.

Findings are that OSP using ETC …


Elementary School Teacher’S Experiences Of Open Studio Process In Examining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Topics, Tiffany Thompson May 2024

Elementary School Teacher’S Experiences Of Open Studio Process In Examining Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Topics, Tiffany Thompson

Expressive Therapies Dissertations

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research study examined the experiences of two Black female teachers and six White female teachers who participated in five Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshops that incorporated Open Studio Process (OSP) using Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC). It is informed by research on defensiveness and resistance that often accompanies and presents barriers to effective DEI training.

All eight study participants were elementary school teachers, ages 22-56. Participants engaged in five workshops that used artistic mediums to explore DEI topics. Participants visually and metaphorically represented their experiences. Results were analyzed using qualitative techniques.

Findings are that OSP using ETC …


More Than A Punchline: A Comparative Analysis Of Diversity In Dropout.Tv & Collegehumor, Alexander Gluchowski May 2024

More Than A Punchline: A Comparative Analysis Of Diversity In Dropout.Tv & Collegehumor, Alexander Gluchowski

Student Research Submissions

This paper examines the evolution of digital comedy through a comparative analysis of CollegeHumor and its offshoot, Dropout.tv, focusing on how each platform has approached the portrayal of diversity and inclusion. Utilizing a qualitative content analysis, the study contrasts selected episodes from both platforms to explore shifts in the representation of queer and POC comedians, and the thematic treatment of identity issues. The findings reveal that Dropout.tv significantly advances the inclusivity of comedic content, moving beyond CollegeHumor’s earlier reliance on stereotypical and controversial humor. This shift not only reflects changes in contemporary comedy but also highlights Dropout.tv's commitment to fostering …


Increasing Recruitment And Retention Of Minority Students In An Ot Educational Program: Understanding Barriers To A Career As An Occupational Therapists And Increasing Awareness Of Ot, Carolina Figueroa May 2024

Increasing Recruitment And Retention Of Minority Students In An Ot Educational Program: Understanding Barriers To A Career As An Occupational Therapists And Increasing Awareness Of Ot, Carolina Figueroa

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Disparities between diverse medical professionals have always been prevalent in the United States. It comes then, as no surprise that the Occupational Therapy profession is predominantly led by Caucasian women. As an allied health profession that works with diverse ethnic and racial populations, the lack of diversity amongst OT professionals can only exacerbate the healthcare disparities that are already present in minority communities. In recent years, terms like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have gained popularity and have become integral to the profession's commitment, as outlined in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) centennial 2025 vision. It is critical to recognize …


Diversity And Inclusivity In The First-Year Composition Classroom, Emily Morris May 2024

Diversity And Inclusivity In The First-Year Composition Classroom, Emily Morris

Master's Projects

Diversity and inclusion are recent topics flooding everyday language and the way we operate rules and regulations within companies, social media, and, of course, college campuses. While college campus life has shifted to be more accepting of diversity and inclusivity within the past several decades, there is still much more work to be done. The following paper starts to complete some of that work by looking at how other first-year composition programs within the University System of Georgia implement diversity and inclusion in their classrooms by looking at the current literature that exists and adding in interviews and survey results …


Culturally Responisve Teaching Practices To Support Students With Visual Imapirments, Genesis C. Miranda May 2024

Culturally Responisve Teaching Practices To Support Students With Visual Imapirments, Genesis C. Miranda

Honors Capstones

This project examines education for children with visual impairments and those from racial, cultural, and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Taken separately, they result in a unique educational experience for the individual. This projedct also looks at the intersection of visual impairment and diversity and how students who fall within these groups are taught. The value of culturally responsive teaching practices is presented and applied to teaching children with vision loss to provide educators with strategies to create inclusive environments that promote learning and empowerment.


Diversity In Clinical Trials: The Case Of Drug Development For Rare Diseases, Allison Bowen May 2024

Diversity In Clinical Trials: The Case Of Drug Development For Rare Diseases, Allison Bowen

Business Administration Dissertations

Background: Approximately 40% of the population in the USA is comprised of minority racial and ethnic groups. However, despite this demographic representation, a study by Gray et al., (2022) found that out of the 53 novel drugs approved in 2020, 75% of the 32,000 participants were white. A study done by Woods-Burnham, et. al., (2021), found that enhancing racial and minority enrollment in clinical trials holds significant promise for improving survival outcomes within these communities. By prioritizing and dedicating resources to inclusive clinical trials, we can ensure greater access to state-of-the-art therapies for minority populations at high risk.

Patients afflicted …


Understanding Medical Students' Perceived Readiness To Serve As Culturally Competent Practitioners, Michel'le Janae Bryant May 2024

Understanding Medical Students' Perceived Readiness To Serve As Culturally Competent Practitioners, Michel'le Janae Bryant

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: The US population is more culturally diverse than ever. Although advancements have been made in improving the nation’s overall health, health disparities continue among different racial and ethnic groups. To promote person-centered care practices, medical students must be ready to serve diverse patient populations and provide equitable care. Despite their training, some medical students report feeling unprepared to treat diverse patient populations, potentially impacting their clinical practice and patient care outcomes.

Purpose: This study’s purpose was to explore the perceived readiness of final-year medical students in the US to provide culturally competent care utilizing the Readiness Theory and The …


Fostering Creativity In The Workplace: Unlocking The Power Of Diversity Through Psychological Safety, Samantha Rosario May 2024

Fostering Creativity In The Workplace: Unlocking The Power Of Diversity Through Psychological Safety, Samantha Rosario

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

With a growing recognition of the advantages associated with forming culturally and cognitively diverse teams, understanding the crucial role of psychological safety in leveraging diversity for creativity and innovation is paramount. Additionally, since leaders establish the tone of the workplace culture, it's crucial to ensure they possess the necessary expertise to lead inclusively to establish psychological safety. This project aims to meet the demand for skill development by producing a facilitator guide and workshop presentation. These resources are designed to empower workshop leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to facilitate a workshop with the goal to promote workplace …


Exploring Diversity In Genetic Counseling: Experiences And Perspectives Of Bipoc Faculty And Leadership, Dessiah Phillips May 2024

Exploring Diversity In Genetic Counseling: Experiences And Perspectives Of Bipoc Faculty And Leadership, Dessiah Phillips

Human Genetics Theses

The underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities within faculty and leadership roles in genetic counseling programs highlights a critical gap in the field's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study investigates the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) serving in these capacities. By examining responses from the faculty and leadership members across various genetic counseling programs, this research aimed to identify barriers to diversity and explore mechanisms for fostering a more inclusive environment. The findings revealed an underrepresented number of BIPOC individuals (n≤3) in leadership or faculty roles per genetic counseling …


Prediction Of Teacher Well-Being Through Beliefs: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Educators, Annie Beatty Apr 2024

Prediction Of Teacher Well-Being Through Beliefs: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Educators, Annie Beatty

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Teachers’ beliefs regarding students with disabilities and their overall well-being are critical for successful inclusion. The current project sought to explore whether teacher beliefs predict teacher well-being and aimed to increase our understanding of how teachers’ experiences with inclusion influence well-being and teaching practices. Participants (n=67) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Beliefs about Learning and Teaching Questionnaire, and the Kessler-6 instrument. Eleven teachers participated in interviews regarding their experiences in inclusion and relevant teaching practices. Results suggest that increased professional experience predicted higher levels of distress in teachers. Additionally, thematic analysis of the interviews identified five themes regarding the current …


Communication Of Mental Health Diversity To The Early Childhood Age Group: “The Adventures Of Anxious Anderson, Distracted Daniel, And Organized Olive”, Jessica Gower Apr 2024

Communication Of Mental Health Diversity To The Early Childhood Age Group: “The Adventures Of Anxious Anderson, Distracted Daniel, And Organized Olive”, Jessica Gower

Honors Projects

In this project, I aim to explore various aspects of communication, cognitive ability, and mental health diversity in early child development. The three research questions guiding this project are: What cognitive and language abilities do children in the early childhood stage of development have? What are the most effective strategies for communicating information about mental health disorders to children ages 4 to 7 through storytelling? And lastly, how do anxiety, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) manifest, particularly in children? The storybook's purpose is to create a sense of empathy and understanding of mental health diversity in children …


Autoethnographies Exploring The Cultural Spirit Murdering And Nurturing Of Three Minority Educators In K-12, Sara Z. Beg, Maritza Caldera, Denise Ross Apr 2024

Autoethnographies Exploring The Cultural Spirit Murdering And Nurturing Of Three Minority Educators In K-12, Sara Z. Beg, Maritza Caldera, Denise Ross

Dissertations

This autoethnography sought to understand how our experiences during our K-12 journey as three minority students shaped our identities as students and our teaching style today. An autoethnography allowed us to analyze our experiences through the lens of Cultural Spirit Nurturing and Cultural Spirit Murdering. Cultural Spirit Nurturing, as we defined it, is the acceptance, respect, and inclusion of different cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, races, languages, and religions in society. We dissected our lived moments as Pakistani Muslim American, African American, and Mexican American students turned educators, defined them as Cultural Spirit Nurturing or Murdering, and bridged them with the concepts …


The Together Study: Exploring The Relationship Between Ontario Undergraduate University Students’ Levels Of Resilience And Their Experiences Of Diversity And Inclusion, Manvir Ahluwalia Apr 2024

The Together Study: Exploring The Relationship Between Ontario Undergraduate University Students’ Levels Of Resilience And Their Experiences Of Diversity And Inclusion, Manvir Ahluwalia

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This study’s primary purpose was to assess, quantitatively, the relationship between Ontario undergraduates’ levels of resilience and experiences of diversity and inclusion, and to identify demographic factors most associated with these outcomes. The secondary purpose was to explore, qualitatively, students’ experiences of diversity and inclusion and their perspectives on how these experiences influenced their resilience. Demographic questions, three scales, and (focus group and individual) interviews were used. Undergraduates (n = 276) from 19 Ontario universities completed the survey. Pearson’s correlation revealed a positive relationship between resilience and experiences of diversity and feelings of inclusion. Demographics indicative of equity-deserving group …


Pathways To Foster, Develop, And Measure Unity In A Diverse Church Setting, Timothy I. Parsons Apr 2024

Pathways To Foster, Develop, And Measure Unity In A Diverse Church Setting, Timothy I. Parsons

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Although there is still a long way to go, the Christian church in America is growing more and more diverse. In the same timeframe of the shift to more diversity, America has grown more divided politically, socially, and religiously. Throughout scripture, and especially in the New Testament, God speaks of the power and purpose of a unified church. The early church was required to grow in its diversity while also pursuing unity among all the differences that existed. The church of the twenty-first century and beyond is under the same mandate. This project’s purpose is to uncover, by surveying current …


Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion In Nurse Anesthesia: Bridging The Gap, Aminat Yusuff-Akinbo Apr 2024

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion In Nurse Anesthesia: Bridging The Gap, Aminat Yusuff-Akinbo

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

The nurse anesthetist plays a crucial role in the healthcare system. Through intensive training, they provide safe and effective anesthesia care to patients across various healthcare settings. Currently, the nurse anesthesia field lacks diversity, with underrepresentation of minority groups such as Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous individuals. The United States Census revealed that there are more than 325 million residents. Yet only 10.9% of nurse anesthetists are of diverse racial backgrounds. This lack of diversity limits the cultural perspectives and experiences brought to patient care and perpetuates disparities in healthcare outcomes. An increase in diversity can improve care for individuals and …


Harnessing The Power Of Cliftonstrengths®: How Multinational Corporations Can Use Deep-Level Diversity To Enhance Organizational Inclusion, Trapper Kay Pace Apr 2024

Harnessing The Power Of Cliftonstrengths®: How Multinational Corporations Can Use Deep-Level Diversity To Enhance Organizational Inclusion, Trapper Kay Pace

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explicitly investigated how multinational corporations can enhance workplace inclusion through the novel use of the CliftonStrengths® assessment as a dimension of deep-level diversity. The study gleaned insights from employees’ perspectives, employing a constructivist grounded theory approach to explicate their experiences in rich qualitative narratives. Through open-ended surveys and intensive interviews, participants were selected using purposeful sampling to ensure meaningful data collection from the study organizations’ three global regions. The researcher conducted the analysis systematically through the constant comparison of data utilizing the NVivo14 software to assist in constructing codes, themes, and a theoretical schema. Results highlighted the significance …


Portraits Of Hispanic And/Or Latino Leadership Development In The Military, Michael Lugo Mar 2024

Portraits Of Hispanic And/Or Latino Leadership Development In The Military, Michael Lugo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The study presented denotes a continuous transition among the Hispanic and/or Latino demographics in the military and the cadet accounts of military inequality incidents while in the military (Cabrera et al., 2017; Eckel & King, 2004). To assist Hispanic and/or Latino needs based on demographics and environment (National Center for Education Statistics, 2019). Military leaders contribute to growing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable military force for all ethnic groups. The Department of Defense (DoD) is the most racially and ethnically diverse workplace in the United States (Daniel et al., 2022). Nevertheless, racial/ethnic harassment and discrimination in the military continue …


Juvenile Hate Crimes And Identity-Based Bullying: A Comprehensive Analysis, Peter Efon Elad Feb 2024

Juvenile Hate Crimes And Identity-Based Bullying: A Comprehensive Analysis, Peter Efon Elad

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

Abstract

This paper examines juvenile hate crimes and identity-based bullying within the criminal justice system (CJS), proposing leadership strategies and an administrative action plan to address these issues. The analysis includes the impact on peers, community, and justice entities, focusing on accountability, diversity, and inclusivity to foster a positive organizational culture and ensure effective implementation. This paper examines the ethical considerations necessary to address juvenile hate crimes and identity-based bullying within the juvenile justice system and related workplaces. It explores the impact of these crimes on victims and communities, the balance between accountability and rehabilitation for offenders, and the role …


Crisis Intervention Policing: Navigating The Past And Adapting To The Future, Tou Vang Feb 2024

Crisis Intervention Policing: Navigating The Past And Adapting To The Future, Tou Vang

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

Law enforcement personnel often find themselves responding to crisis calls involving mental health disorders or behaviors; however, standard police training sometimes lacks proper protocol or resources to manage such scenarios without resorting to the use of force. The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program is one potential resource that offers law enforcement personnel the tools to handle mental health crises effectively, but implementing it requires a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy to build community trust and improve responses. This paper emphasizes law enforcement's need to adopt creative, compassionate, and ethical approaches in mental health crises due to past tensions and …


The Belonging Process: How Low-Income, Bipoc & First-Generation Students On Byu Campus Experience Belonging, Josephine Zenger Feb 2024

The Belonging Process: How Low-Income, Bipoc & First-Generation Students On Byu Campus Experience Belonging, Josephine Zenger

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This mixed-methods study employed the Experience Sampling Method (ESM; Csíkszentmihályi; Larson, 1984; Zirkel et al., 2015) to document the feelings and experiences of belonging for 22 low-income, BIPOC, first generation college students and a comparison group of 15 White, middle-upper class students at Brigham Young University (BYU), a predominantly White, middle class, religious university. Due to, among other things, these demographic realities, BYU grapples with structures and cultures that marginalize minority students on campus. Data analysis from ESM surveys, interviews, and focus groups reveal that regardless of background (i.e, including White middle-class students), participants experienced a sense of exclusion at …


A Design Thinking Mixed Methods Study On Learned Empathy Through Multicultural Education, Samanantha Webb Feb 2024

A Design Thinking Mixed Methods Study On Learned Empathy Through Multicultural Education, Samanantha Webb

Dissertations

The dissertation in practice focused on addressing the issue of inadequate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) competencies among teachers in a Title I school. The problem of practice emerged within the context of an increasingly diverse educational landscape, necessitating educators to possess robust DEI skills. The proposed solution was a professional development (PD) program, crafted using a design thinking approach, which included an asynchronous learning module supplemented by a book study. The comprehensive PD program was aimed at enhancing the teachers' understanding and application of DEI principles, making the prototype relevant to the demands of multicultural education in today’s diverse …


Closing The Gap In Performing Music Ensembles: A Study To Examine Barriers Of Access To Equitable Participation, Caitlin Hale Jan 2024

Closing The Gap In Performing Music Ensembles: A Study To Examine Barriers Of Access To Equitable Participation, Caitlin Hale

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a significant difference in student participation in the music courses of band, chorus, orchestra, and general music as related to race/ethnicity, ELL status, and free and reduced lunch status. The participants in the study included 389 eighth-grade students from a suburban middle school in the northeastern United States, located near a major metropolitan city. The school district maintains a nationally recognized music program. The quantitative study used archival data including student music course selection, GPA at the end of 8th grade, and 9th grade music course selection, race/ethnicity of …


Intersectionality Of Race And Sex On Collaborative Work Process, Wynter Buckner Jan 2024

Intersectionality Of Race And Sex On Collaborative Work Process, Wynter Buckner

CMC Senior Theses

While many researchers have explored the benefits of diversity on innovation and output quality, there is a lack of research that has been done on impact of diversity in teams on outcomes on the personal level. This paper investigates the relationship between social identity and the ease of collaborative work processes. I use an experiment to test hypotheses on the preference of partners and best performing pairing. With the use of a website designed my Jeffery Flory, Brent Hickman, John A. List, Amamnda Pallais, and Jessie Sun, 30 participants were randomly paired in teams of two to virtually collaborate is …


“A Real Man . . .”: Deconstructing Machismo Heteronormative Standards With K–12 Latino Male Educators Through Dialogic Spaces, Mario Echeverria Jan 2024

“A Real Man . . .”: Deconstructing Machismo Heteronormative Standards With K–12 Latino Male Educators Through Dialogic Spaces, Mario Echeverria

Dissertations

In a K–12 educational landscape where 75% of educators are white women, recruitment of Latino male educators is crucial for diversification, yet these educators represent just 2% of the teaching workforce in the United States (NCES, 2020). These educators grapple with a layered sense of identity as they navigate expectations of hegemonic masculinity and machismo norms that dictate their roles as disciplinarians and saviors, especially for young boys of color (Brockenbrough, 2018; Lara & Fránquiz, 2015; Martino & Kehler, 2006; Mills et al., 2004; Singh, 2021). Unfortunately, Latino male educators leave the profession at twice the rate of their Latina …


Cultivating Diversity: An Examination Of The Importance Of Educators Of Color, Damara Reid Jan 2024

Cultivating Diversity: An Examination Of The Importance Of Educators Of Color, Damara Reid

Community Engagement Student Work

This paper addresses the issue of representation of educators of color in the Boston Public Schools (BPS) system in relation to the student demographic. Research suggests that teachers of color help students of color overall academic performance. The capstone is based on a workshop that was hosted at Brighton High School targeting admin staff to raise awareness of the importance of educators of color. The results showed that staff do understand the importance and are working towards hiring more teachers of color but lack the strategies to do so. The implication of the research is that more work needs to …


Department Chairs’ Impact On The Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Of Their Departments, Nicholas R. Garcia Ii Jan 2024

Department Chairs’ Impact On The Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Of Their Departments, Nicholas R. Garcia Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Department chairs serve not only as the leaders of their departments but also as middle managers in their schools, colleges, and universities. While many department chairs see their role as having little authority, they still play an integral role in day-to-day campus operations (Hunt & Jones, 2015). As leaders of their departments, chairs can directly influence the department’s organizational culture (Schein, 2010), including the culture of diversity and inclusiveness. Departments nationwide are being held responsible for increasing the diversity of the faculty and responding to students' calls for diversity. Departmental organizational culture and the role of the chairperson are essential …


Suburban Bay Area City Approaches To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (Dei), Arianna Bush Jan 2024

Suburban Bay Area City Approaches To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (Dei), Arianna Bush

Master's Projects

The ultimate goal of government is to serve the community for the greater good. Creating an inclusive and representative environment for those working in government and for the population they serve will improve many aspects of public service. In recent decades, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been increasingly prioritized as America has become increasingly diverse. However, this effort intensified in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests. “Three years after Floyd's death and the movement hit the streets, 74% of Black executives said they saw positive change in hiring, retention, and …


Student Perceptions Of Teacher Praise: Considering Diversity, Kealie S. Jenkins Jan 2024

Student Perceptions Of Teacher Praise: Considering Diversity, Kealie S. Jenkins

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to expand the praise preference literature by considering student diversity. Specifically, students (grades 7-12) acceptability and preferences for praise and reprimand were assessed while considering the following: (a) White/ Non-White, (b) Rural/ Suburban, (c) Special Education/ General Education, and (d) Low SES/ Middle-High SES. Students’ acceptability and preferences for praise and reprimand were collected through the Adolescent Praise and Reprimand Preference Survey (APRPS). A total of 1125 students completed the APRPS. Regardless of diverse group comparisons (except Low SES and Middle/High SES) the top three preferences across (schoolwork and appropriate behavior) all groups included …


Understanding Neurodiversity And Executive Disfunction To Discover More Effective Accommodations And Create A More Inclusive Workforce For Neurodivergent Individuals, Carley Dahlstrom Jan 2024

Understanding Neurodiversity And Executive Disfunction To Discover More Effective Accommodations And Create A More Inclusive Workforce For Neurodivergent Individuals, Carley Dahlstrom

Honors Theses and Capstones

The goal of this paper is twofold. One: understand executive disfunction to gain a broader understanding of neurodiversity and the challenges those with neurodiversity face in the workforce. And two: research different accommodations to combat executive disfunction and evaluate their effectiveness. To accomplish these goals, an extensive literature review was conducted to understand neurodiversity, executive disfunction, government requirements relating to accommodations, and an exploration of current accommodations available. Additionally, research was conducted in the form of interviews and a survey to expand and add to the overall understanding of this research area.

Results of the survey indicate an overall lack …