A poll of about 1,500 high‑school seniors found 80% of college‑bound students want to attend institutions that support students of all races and ethnicities, and 76% consider belonging as important as academics. Yet only 23% actively seek DEI information and the stance on diversity is often not the decisive driver of college choice. Researchers caution leaders that while broad student support for inclusive campus environments remains strong, political headwinds and recent litigation targeting DEI have created ambiguity in how institutions communicate those commitments. Enrollment and admissions teams should prepare clearer, evidence‑based messaging about student supports and belonging initiatives rather than relying on labels that may polarize stakeholders. Admissions strategists should integrate localized, outcomes‑oriented evidence—graduation rates, support services usage, and alumni trajectories—to demonstrate how inclusion mechanisms affect student success.