The Experiences of Black and Latinx Graduate Students in STEM: A Critical Race Perspective

• In Event: 41.054 - Critical Examinations of Race, Class, and Gender in Higher Education

Abstract

Using a critical race lens perspective, this paper aims to analyze how Black and Latinx graduate students of color in STEM fields narrate their experiences in graduate programs. The data suggests that graduate programs have created a colorblind environment that gives the illusion of equality, leaving students of color at a disadvantage when it comes to socialization into STEM departments. Furthermore, the commitment to diversify STEM is at least partially due to interest-convergence, where the departments and faculty benefit in different ways from diversifying the talent pool. This interest-convergence leads to a superficial effort to support students of color that does not fully take into account all of the students’ needs.

Author

• Nancy Campos, University at Buffalo - SUNY