Whiteness in the Minoritizing Institutions: How white Emotionalities Hinder Progress in Minoritizing Institutions

• In Event: MSI's in the Social Context of Education

Abstract

Although there are political backlashes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) federally, universities still proclaim commitments to DEI. One way this is done is going through the federal process of designating an institution of higher education a Minority Serving Institution. This process, which I will call minoritizing institutions, is not benign. Indeed it is replete with passive aggressive tactics, violence, and gaslighting terminologies that eerily resemble the violent patterns within whiteness. As such, this paper will be a theoretical introduction of how might whiteness, especially the emotionalities of whiteness, be present in minoritizing institutions. Although it is premature to provide answers at this time, this initiation paper seeks to provide philosophical insights that connects the ideological parameters of whiteness and white supremacy to struggles and challenges in minoritizing institutions. In doing so, proponents and advocates for HSIs, AANAPISIs, and HBCUs, have both theoretical understanding and concrete examples of what they might face when seeking designation. Hopefully this will guard them from these behaviors.

Author

• Cheryl E. Matias, University of San Diego