In this paper we present a research model for investigating diversity climates in educational institutions. It is argued that to fully grasp an organizations’ climate as it relates to racial and diversity issues it is essential to explore elements that we contend are foundational or that serve as pillars upon which the climate is constructed. These elements provide grounding for organizations as its members seek to uncover the facets with which they contribute to the climate for diversity. It is argued that knowing how issues of diversity have been addressed or handled in the past is critical. Also, documenting how or if members’ voices are heard and how their concerns are handled also grounds how the climate is formed and defined. In addition, documenting the structural make-up of the organization in terms of race, gender and status as well as the visual artifacts associated with diversity are key components of an effective research strategy for studying the climate for diversity.