Despite the hype of intersectionality and diversity, they remain predominantly symbolic commitments in academic discourses, policy measures and institutional practices. The rhetoric of diversity and intersectionality is strategically mobilized to deflect charges of racism and hetero/sexism, even as there is ongoing systematic resistance against the implementation of their emancipatory potential. Despite commitments to do diversity and adopt intersectional methodology, the status quo is sustained through Eurocentric and Androcentric approaches. This special issue outlines the ideological function of diversity and intersectionality as legitimizing performance indicators in policies, discourses and institutions.