Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia

Kechi Iheduru-Anderson; Roop Jayaraman; Joseph Inungu; Vincent E Mumford

doi:10.29333/ejgm/17437

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Kechi Iheduru-Anderson ¹ ^* , Roop Jayaraman ¹ , Joseph Inungu ¹ , Vincent E Mumford ¹

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¹ Central Michigan University, USA^* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This article critically examines how the enduring ideal of meritocracy obstructs diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in nursing education and leadership. While often framed as neutral and objective, meritocratic systems frequently reinforce exclusionary practices by privileging dominant norms and overlooking systemic barriers. Through historical analysis, policy critique, and theoretical frameworks, the paper demonstrates how DEIA initiatives are undermined by institutional resistance, hidden curricula, and performative equity efforts. The article calls for a redefinition of merit that centers equity, lived experience, and structural awareness. By embracing justice-oriented leadership and culturally responsive practices, nursing academia can advance both professional excellence and health equity. This equity-centered vision challenges institutions to dismantle outdated paradigms and align nursing education with its ethical and societal missions.

Keywords

nursing education
health equity
leadership
social justice
educational measurement
minority health

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Original Article

ELECTRON J GEN MED, Volume 22, Issue 6, December 2025, Article No: em701

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437

Publication date: 19 Nov 2025

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Article Downloads: 4

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Vancouver

Iheduru-Anderson K, Jayaraman R, Inungu J, Mumford VE. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia. ELECTRON J GEN MED. 2025;22(6):em701. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437

APA

Iheduru-Anderson, K., Jayaraman, R., Inungu, J., & Mumford, V. E. (2025). Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia. Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 22(6), em701. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437

AMA

Iheduru-Anderson K, Jayaraman R, Inungu J, Mumford VE. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia. ELECTRON J GEN MED. 2025;22(6), em701. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437

Chicago

Iheduru-Anderson, Kechi, Roop Jayaraman, Joseph Inungu, and Vincent E Mumford. "Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia". Electronic Journal of General Medicine 2025 22 no. 6 (2025): em701. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437

Harvard

Iheduru-Anderson, K., Jayaraman, R., Inungu, J., and Mumford, V. E. (2025). Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia. Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 22(6), em701. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437

MLA

Iheduru-Anderson, Kechi et al. "Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access: Confronting the myth of meritocracy in nursing academia". Electronic Journal of General Medicine, vol. 22, no. 6, 2025, em701. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejgm/17437