Exploring the Roles of Racism and Campus Responses in Student Belonging and Resource Use at Community Colleges

• In Event: Student Learning and Engagement in Community Colleges and Beyond

Abstract

This study examines how racism and campus responses to racism are linked with sense of belonging and resource engagement of Students of Color at U.S. community colleges. Using data from the Center for Community College Student Engagement’s 2021 Race/Ethnicity survey, we explored students’ personal and witnessed experiences of racism alongside their perceptions of institutional responses. Regression analyses revealed that racism experiences negatively correlated with belonging. However, proactive institutional responses and faculty opposition to racism were associated with increased belonging and higher academic resource use. The findings underscore racism’s harmful effects of racism and the significance of proactive campus responses. Recommendations are provided for institutional practices that reduce racism, enhance belonging, and support success of marginalized students.

Authors

• Carlton J. Fong, Texas State University

• Pedram Zarei, Texas State University

• Semilore F. Adelugba, Texas State University

• Agustín J. García, Texas State University