Perspectives From Equity Leaders: Leading Community Colleges With the Friend or Enemy Inside the House

• In Event: The Challenges and Perils of Doing DEI Work in Higher Education

Abstract

Despite its promise of open access and opportunities, students of color face educational inequities as they navigate the California Community College (CCC) system. California policymakers introduced the Student Equity Leader (SEL) position through the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) program to address educational inequities faced by students of color in the CCC system. This study explores the experiences of eight SELs in the CCC system as they engage in planning and implementing race-conscious-equity-minded initiatives as part of the SEA program requirements. Our findings shed light on the factors that facilitate or hinder equity efforts, the organizational conditions shaping SELs’ experiences, and the personal attributes required to implement race-conscious-equity-minded initiatives in community colleges.

Authors

• Carlos A Galan, California State University - San Bernardino

• Eric R. Felix, San Diego State University