“The secret knock”: a critical discourse analysis of how recruiters exercise power and privilege in admissions

This inquiry investigates how college recruiters’ understandings of diversity are represented and discussed in their work. Interwoven within this study is an examination of power through the lens of Discourse Theory and Critical Discourse Analysis. Findings reveal how recruiters exercise power to produce either transformative or oppressive realities and futures for those whom they deemed to be diverse prospective students. The analysis also demonstrates the ways in which discursive uses of language and power can privilege certain diverse identities over others, thereby limiting equitable access to postsecondary education. This article concludes by highlighting recruitment strategies that will empower prospective students through the admissions process in order to help them learn ‘the secret knock’ to gain access to higher education.