ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2628-2517

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Administrative and Instructional Leadership

First Advisor

Joan Birringer-Haig

Second Advisor

Serafino Celano

Third Advisor

Roger Bloom

Abstract

This quantitative, nonexperimental study examined faculty and administrative perspectives on multiculturalism in Catholic schools across New York State. Archived New York State Education Department (NYSED) data were analyzed to identify student race/ethnicity enrollment trends in Catholic schools from 2013 to 2025, alongside survey data measuring Catholic school educators’ perceptions of multiculturalism. Survey participants included faculty and administrators from seven dioceses across New York State. Data were analyzed using ANOVAs and multiple regression. The study addressed two primary areas: changes in racial/ethnic enrollment over time and differences in educator perceptions on multiculturalism based on demographic and professional factors. Findings showed a significant decrease in the population of White students relative to Asian, Black, and Hispanic students in Catholic schools in New York State. Findings indicated that Catholic educators’ commitment to educating all students, having a sense of belonging, and the quantity and quality of equity-focused professional learning was significantly related to educators’ cultural awareness and action. The findings aim to inform leadership practices, professional development, and policy, enabling Catholic schools to remain responsive to diverse student populations while upholding their mission.

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