When Diversity Efforts Fail

Religion Unmuted

In Who Pays for Diversity? Why Programs Fail at Racial Equity and What to Do about It, sociologist Oneya Fennell Okuwobi examines how well-meaning diversity efforts in universities, corporations, and churches often fail to achieve true racial equity—and can even harm people of color who sacrifice their well-being and advancement for the greater good. In this episode Okuwobi shares how her research on multiracial churches revealed the limits of “racial reconciliation” and “diversity” when these ideals are not paired with real structural change and support. She and host Rachel Schneider close with a discussion of how faith communities can move beyond symbolic gestures to create spaces rooted in justice, equity, and true flourishing.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Who Pays for Diversity? Why Programs Fail at Racial Equity and What to Do about It: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/who-pays-for-diversity/paper
• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/
• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://rplc.rice.edu/
• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

SHOW NOTE

At the time of this episode release, Rachel Schneider is Assistant Professor of Religion and Public Life at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As of July 2025, the Religion and Public Life Center is directed by Todd Ferguson.