AN EXPLORATION OF BARRIERS FOR DEI EFFORTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN WISCONSIN

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine and characterize the status and needs of EE organizations across the state of Wisconsin, with an intentional focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and obstacles or barriers that may exist towards their implementation. Quantitative data is analyzed using the tool Qualtrics, and descriptive data is analyzed thematically by the research team, with special consideration to observable patterns, trends, or emerging themes. This survey was distributed via email in January of 2023 to EE staff and leaders from 112 organizations across Wisconsin. The survey was open for a time period of six weeks and 65 responses were collected by the end of the window, warranting a 58% overall response rate. Based on the results of the data, there was a split in survey respondents indicating that political and social attitudes create barriers towards the implementation of DEI at their institutions, with an observable trend across open-response questions of respondents noting “division” among members of staff, partnerships, or local community in regards to this topic. A considerable number of respondents indicate that lack of funding contributes to these barriers, and that working towards building relationships with more diverse partnerships and stakeholders could help support DEI efforts.