University Leaders as Inhibitors or Influencers of Systemic Change for Marginalised Youth

Despite multiple frameworks that purport to enable transformation, hierarchies of localised power in the governance and management of the higher education system continue to influence the scope and depth of inclusion, diversity and transformation programmes. Research conducted during 2014–2016 focused on the receptivity of an inclusion programme implemented in South African universities that was developed to create inclusive services and culture for an at-risk population. Drawing on applied research, the article considers how inclusivity practitioners created conditions for inclusion within their university. The obligation of the university in the creation of an inclusive environment is debated and the role of university leaders in contributing towards an inclusive culture is explored. The findings of this research demonstrate that university leaders have a direct impact on enabling or impeding inclusion programmes in the university. The findings contribute towards inclusivity praxis that aims to reduce oppression in universities by university leaders and the research demonstrates positive outcomes in spite of resistance by university leadership.