Asian/American Female Leaders Navigating Institutional Racism in Schools: The Lapdog Syndrome

• In Event: 33.078 - Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 33.078-21 - Research on the Education of Asian and Pacific Americans SIG Roundtable: Where Do Asian Pacific American Students Fit in the Landscape of the American Education System?

Abstract

This narrative study investigates the experiences of three female Asian/American school leaders as they navigate institutional and social racism as they exercise leadership in schools in predominately racially and economically diverse schools. Grounded in critical race theory (CRT) and feminism, this study examines how the black-white dichotomy creates conditions where Asian/American female leaders are perceived with suspicion and mistrust. Results describe common patterns of discrimination and processes employed to navigate conflicts within their socio-political realities. Implications point to the need to expand racial conceptual frameworks and ideals to include Asian/American experiences.

Authors

• Ngoc-Diep T. Nguyen, Northeastern Illinois University

• Trish Morita Mullaney, Purdue University