Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals, including people of different ages, races and ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, genders, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations. Diversity, as it relates to a group or persons, or a community of people, is identified by various characteristics. This includes distinctions of social orientation and class, and cultural identity. When equity is present within a group, the result is equal access enjoyed by everyone; this includes equal opportunities as well as the potential for advancements. The American Council on Education (ACE) argues that the objectives of DEI initiatives have been voiced actively for years, targeting inequities in education. However, the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, the systemic racism in America, and the race-based inequities in higher education--have converged to create a critical mass and sharpen the demand for more effective approaches to address the DEI needs at the university and college levels. This paper will offer a research-based examination of these principles, and how they can and are being applied in university classrooms to ensure equity standards in learning opportunities. [For the full proceedings, see ED626668.]