Newly Employed: The Complex Existence of Faculty of Color During the COVID-19 and Racial Pandemics

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fifteen
  In Roundtable Session: Early Career Faculty Life in the Pandemic Era (Table 1)

Abstract

Faculty of color in higher education are tackling racial fatigue, cognitive fatigue, and mental health fatigue due to the COVID-19 public health crisis and racial pandemic. Both pandemics added layers of invisible labor to the schedule for faculty. Using portraiture as the methodological design, this paper presents narratives from faculty of color hired during the 2020 and 2021 academic years. Through the lens of Critical Race Theory and Critical Racial Consciousness, findings reveal the rapid pivoting that occurred, the feelings of isolation and burnout, the racial trauma experienced based on how they identify, and emergent healing and transformation from their lived experiences. The study recommends an authentic community for faculty of color to thrive and not just survive.

Authors

• K. Kayon Morgan, University of Hartford
  Presenting Author

• Thomas Lee Morgan, Sacred Heart University
  Presenting Author