An Analysis of University Public Responses to Anti-Asian Hate

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Analyzing the Power of Discourse in Response to Racialized Policies and Practices (Table 7)

Abstract

In response to incidents of racism, college and university leaders commonly issue public statements. In this article, I analyzed the public responses to anti-Asian hate from institutional members of the Association of American Universities from January 2020—March 2022. I found university leaders relied on expectations set by the broader organizational field to structure their responses, suggesting an isomorphic force dictating when and how university leaders issue statements. I argue that university issued statements have become more concerned with the legitimacy of the institution rather than a vehicle for substantial change. The results inform how organizational behavior is decoupled from equity and justice work in higher education.

Author

• Brendon M. Soltis, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author