Exploring Racial Injustice and Academic Performance Among Southeast Asian Doctoral Students in the United States

• In Event: Leading for Change: Student Leadership, Advocacy, and Resistance in Higher Education

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of Southeast Asian Doctoral Students (SADS) in the U.S., focusing on the interconnected experiences of racial injustice and academic performance. Employing the AsianCrit theoretical framework and a phenomenological approach, this study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature on SADS in U.S. higher education. Through purposeful sampling, the study includes participants with at least two years of enrollment in a doctoral program in U.S. higher education. The findings inform empirical evidence through a critical lens on this understudied international student group. This study informs practices such as academic advising, student affairs, or counseling in higher education to support diverse groups better, contributing to discussions on racial equity and inclusion.

Authors

• Meytty Jeanly Pattikawa, Texas A&M University

• Jihee Hwang, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville