--- title: DEI in Schools Supports Social-emotional Development for Latinx Youth description: A commitment to DEI and developmental relationships in schools has a positive impact on Latinx youth. This leads to long-term growth and success. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DEI-in-Schools-Supports-Socio-emotional-Development-for-Latinx-Youth.jpg --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog September 26, 2023 2 Minutes Read By : [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # DEI in Schools Supports Social-emotional Development for Latinx Youth [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fdei-in-schools-supports-social-emotional-development-for-latinx-youth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fdei-in-schools-supports-social-emotional-development-for-latinx-youth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fdei-in-schools-supports-social-emotional-development-for-latinx-youth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fdei-in-schools-supports-social-emotional-development-for-latinx-youth%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DEI-in-Schools-Supports-Socio-emotional-Development-for-Latinx-Youth.jpg) # DEI in Schools Supports Social-emotional Development for Latinx Youth By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) September 25 2023 2 Minutes Read All young people need to experience strong developmental relationships at school and in their communities to meet their goals and succeed. However, the process of building those relationships is not the same for everyone. For example, Latinx youth experience high levels of societal discrimination and racism. However, [findings from a recent study](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0044118X231170314) suggest that school commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be protective against the negative effects of school-based discrimination on SEL for Latinx students   ## Latinx Youth at School Latinx youth often experience racism and discrimination, systemically and individually, in their communities and in school. These factors lead to higher rates of poverty and decreased access to adequate housing, nutrition, and services like healthcare.  Feeling disconnected and unsupported at school negatively affects emotional and social well-being and can lead to poor academic outcomes. [According to a study by the Pew](https://www.pewresearch.org/hispanic/2009/10/07/latinos-and-education-explaining-the-attainment-gap/) Research Center, Latinx youth have higher dropout rates than their non-Latinx counterparts. They value education but have trouble connecting with the resources they need to succeed. However, a school’s focus on DEI can provide an inclusive environment and protect against the negative effects of discrimination helping Latinx young people have access to the conditions needed to meet their goals and achieve success.  ## Impact of a Commitment to DEI  How youth perceive [DEI in their learning spaces](https://www.search-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Insights-Evidence-DRs-DEI.SEL-FINAL.pdf) has a direct impact on their experience. When schools, classrooms, and programs commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion they take actions such as: - Considering students’ cultural backgrounds and needs - Learning to work with people with different backgrounds - Encouraging everyone to share their cultural background  - Treating everyone fairly - Enforcing rules fairly When Latinx youth experience spaces that value DEI, they are better positioned to learn, feel a sense of belonging, and [build developmental relationships](https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-help-young-people-thrive). In addition to the benefits of experiencing strong developmental relationships with adults, [research shows](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0044118X231170314) that DEI is a “protective factor” for Latinx youth, meaning it improves their emotional well-being. Educators can demonstrate the value of young people’s backgrounds in many ways. For example, they might ask them about themselves or [explore their identities as a group activity](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/identity-wheel). Such actions strengthen young people’s confidence in themselves and help them better draw from assets in their own communities. When young people feel judged or stereotyped on the basis of race or ethnicity, they perform less well academically and struggle to belong. So educators need to prioritize supporting students from all backgrounds. Even [small affirmations](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/rooted-in-relationships-episode-1-6) from teachers and other practitioners can have a long-term effect. Multiple positive experiences add up and can change students’ trajectory toward college.  ## Making a Difference for Latinx Youth An inclusive environment and commitment to DEI make a big difference for Latinx youth who may not experience belonging and support elsewhere in society. It’s critical for adults at school to show interest in students’ backgrounds, value their cultures, and treat everyone equally.  When Search Institute researchers conducted secondary data analysis of the [Developmental Relationships Survey](https://www.search-institute.org/developmental-relationships-survey/), they examined the connections between school-based discrimination, social-emotional learning, and the protective role of DEI.   The analysis found that a commitment to equity and inclusion helps young people who may otherwise be disengaged begin building the relationships they need to grow and thrive.   [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/b45ff5be-4258-4f2b-9491-6a26d9be3898.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/b45ff5be-4258-4f2b-9491-6a26d9be3898) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You [![Teacher high-fiving a student.](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/iStock-1495037929.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-state-of-developmental-relationships-a-pathway-to-youth-thriving) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Data Insights](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/data-insights) 3 Min Read ### [The State of Developmental Relationships: A Pathway to Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-state-of-developmental-relationships-a-pathway-to-youth-thriving) [Search Institute May 19 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Understanding-the-Connection-between-Developmental-Assets-and-Developmental-Relationships.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/understanding-the-connection-between-developmental-assets-and-developmental-relationships) 4 Min Read ### [Understanding the Connection between Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/understanding-the-connection-between-developmental-assets-and-developmental-relationships) [Search Institute May 24 2023](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/YES-FinalReport-Image.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-youth-thriving-measures-for-youth-strengths-and-needs) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Social Capital](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-capital) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/thriving) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 3 Min Read ### [Supporting Youth Thriving: Measures for Youth Strengths and Needs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/supporting-youth-thriving-measures-for-youth-strengths-and-needs) [Search Institute February 26 2026](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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