Degrees of Contrition: Institutional Image and the Reassertion of Whiteness through University Redress

• In Event: 70.037 - International Issues in Higher Education

Abstract

In this paper we draw upon the theoretical literatures of anti-racism, white supremacy, and institutional racism to analyze historic and contemporary discourses of (anti)internationalization in relation to the forced relocation of Japanese heritage students in the Pacific region of Canada and the United States during WWII. An historical view of racialization relative to immigration policies positions current internationalization efforts in higher education along a timeline of state-mandated and racialized preferences for “ideal” immigrants. Internationalization efforts focusing on the Pacific region may not fully or even partially recognize the legacies of earlier Asian immigrant students and their families, contributing to a false “othering” of contemporary international students and a devaluation of Asian contributions to society.

Authors

• Amy Scott Metcalfe, The University of British Columbia

• Sharon Stein, The University of British Columbia