Texas A&M’s definition of diversity has two distinct, but interrelated parts—

• Compositional/structural diversity is how much or how many people from identities such as: race; ethnicity; culture; national origin; sexual orientation; gender identity; age; religion; language; abilities; socioeconomic status; marital, domestic, parental status, and more. 

• Sociological diversity is about how our identities intersect and inform the ways in which we interact with each other at work, in the classroom, in our personal lives, and in society. Sociological diversity describes the ways in which our social institutions and identities interact to shape and impact our life outcomes. All of our life outcomes are impacted by our identities in deep and meaningful ways such as our health outcomes, our relationships, and our educational and professional opportunities.

[Adapted from: Anderson, M. & Taylor, H. (2007). Sociology: Understanding a diverse society, 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomas Wadsworth.]

The educational benefits of diversity and inclusion include: Fostering civic learning and engagement; improving problem-solving skills and developing better solutions; and preparing students, faculty, and staff to live in an increasingly global and complex world.