Increasing the recruitment and retention of REM students within school psychology: The potential of diversity committees.

Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) youth have been historically underrepresented in the field of school psychology due, in part, to poor program climate. Numerous strategies to increase the recruitment and retention of REM school psychology students have been put forth. Despite this, concerns regarding program climate remain and calls for the increased diversification of the field continue. The purpose of this article is to put forth the use of diversity committees (DCs) as a way to increase the recruitment and retention of REM students within school psychology. We present two case examples of DCs implemented in school psychology graduate programs. We conclude with implications, as well as future research needs as it relates to the examination of effectiveness and implementation of DCs. Practitioner Points: 1.Diversity committees (DCs) are presented as a potential strategy to increase racial & ethnic minoritized (REM) school psychology student recruitment and retention.2.Case examples of DCs demonstrate their potential to be a safe space for REM graduate students to engage in advocacy as well as build community with other REM students.3.Case examples review barriers and supports to DC implementation in school psychology programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]