Reconceptualizing “Merit” and “Fit”

This chapter presents an equity-minded approach to merit and fit, prioritizing the hiring of staff, faculty, administrators, and leaders who are qualified, committed, and experienced in fostering inclusive campuses—particularly for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, Black, Indigenous, and Latina/x/o students. The first section reviews literature on hiring to illustrate how merit and fit are institutionalized ideals shaped by whiteness. The second section proposes a reconceptualization of merit and fit based on equity-minded principles. The third section introduces critical inquiry as a strategy, along with tools and previously developed insights for advancing equity in faculty and presidential hiring. These tools target four high-leverage sub-processes: (1) hiring processes and outcomes; (2) search committee formation, composition, and training; (3) job announcements; and (4) interview protocols and rubrics.