Pacific Islander Experiences of Racism in Higher Education

• In Event: Experiences of Race and Racism in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Pacific Islanders have one of the highest percentages of adults, ages 25 or older, who had completed some college but did not earn a degree (De Brey et al., 2019). The literature pertaining to the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has heavily focused on the model minority myth. As a result, there is a gap in the literature on the experiences of Pacific Islander students in higher education especially in regard to experiences of racism. The aim of this study is to illuminate the voices and experiences of Pacific Islander students as it pertains to their experiences of racism at their institution. The findings from this study are imperative to help institutions better support their Pacific Islander students.

Author

• Jase Kugiya, The University of Texas-Austin