The Role of Culture Centers for Multiracial Latinx Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Reimagining Belonging: Latinx and AfroLatiné Resistance, Identity, and Persistence Across Educational Spaces

Abstract

Culture centers on college campuses have been shown to play a critical role in student integration and learning. However, for Latinx students who do not fit stereotypical conceptualizations of Latinx ethnic identity, such as multiracial Latinx students, Latinx culture centers may not always feel welcoming. This qualitative study explores how or if multiracial Latinx students access a Latinx cultural center. While multiracial Latinx students perceive the campus Latinx cultural center to be both a welcoming and importance campus space, few have accessed the cultural center. While most students cite busy schedules, quite a few noted fears about not belonging because of their multiracial identities. As a result, multiracial Latinx students seek out multiracial spaces, but they are few in number.

Author

• Sylvia Martinez, Indiana University