Is This Where We Belong? Exploring the Campus Climate Perceptions of Black Men at a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: Exploring Black Belongingness in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Literature indicates that while attending a predominantly White institution (PWI), Black men often experience stigmatization and racial tension. Despite these concerns there is limited research exploring their campus climate perceptions and this study fills this gap. This qualitative study explored the role that perceived campus climate plays in the development of sense of belonging for Black undergraduate men attending a PWI. The guiding research questions include: (1) What are the perceptions of campus climate for undergraduate Black men who attend a predominantly White institution? (2) How does the intersection of racial and gender identity influence the campus climate perceptions of undergraduate Black men? (3) How do the perceptions of campus climate influence the sense of belonging for undergraduate Black men?

Author

• Paris McPherson, West Chester University of Pennsylvania