Research background and purpose:
This article examines the complex relationship between institutional regulations and the development of a diverse academic culture within higher education institutions (HEIs). It investigates the tension between formal policies of tolerance, equity, and diversity (TED) and the actual practice of fostering an inclusive environment, highlighting the challenges of implementing effective diversity strategies in academia.

Design/methodology/approach:
The study uses qualitative methods and data from 20 HEIs, collected by four researchers who interviewed 20 key informants, to understand the gap between formal policies and their practical implementation.

Findings:
The research finds that university managers often confuse tolerance, equality, and diversity, treating them as overlapping rather than distinct concepts. Tolerance is seen as acceptance of different views, equality as equal opportunity, and diversity as varied perspectives, but these ideas are practiced independently without systemic integration. Formal policies on diversity exist in universities, yet implementation and resource allocation vary widely.

Value added and limitations:
The research contributes to higher education by providing empirical evidence on how diversity, equity, and inclusion are interpreted and implemented across HEIs, and by identifying practical areas where formal policies can be better aligned with academic culture. It offers university leaders practical insights for moving beyond fragmented efforts toward more coherent and context-sensitive diversity practices.