Higher Education Governance as a Mediator of Movements Toward Justice

ABSTRACT This chapter explores the intersection of higher education governance and social movements, focusing on how governance actors respond to equity‐focused demands. Integrating scholarship from governance and social movement theory, we develop a framework to analyze the conditions under which actors can adopt or resist social change initiatives. To do so, we critically synthesize literature on tactics and frames employed by movements, the structural characteristics of governing bodies that influence responsiveness, and the distinction between symbolic gestures and substantive institutional changes. Our contributions highlight the critical role of governance actors in shaping campus responses to social justice movements and broader societal change. Summary We offer considerations to help activists shape tactics and approaches for institutional change and board relationships such as frame tactics, pressure tactics, and organizing tactics. Governing boards and actors can and should play a key role in equitable institutional change by supporting activist movements through transparent governing structures and training practices. Considerations for board composition should extend beyond demographic representation and consider members' experience with injustice and commitments to addressing university and societal injustices.