Paving Racial Justice Pathways for Predominantly White Institutions: Insights From Black and Brown Student Leaders

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Sesion 4
  In Roundtable Session: Cultivating Racial Justice in Higher Education

Abstract

University mission statements espouse values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). However, minoritized students continue to experience marginalization. Amid the racial justice pandemic of 2020-21, Black and Brown student leaders navigated their Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) in various ways. Utilizing a critical framework and narrative inquiry, this study centers the voices of Black and Brown student leaders (N=11) and their experiences. Results indicated the following themes: (1) Politics and Racial Violence in Media, (2) Campus Experiences at a PWI of Black and Brown Students, (3) Student Perceptions of University Responses in Addressing Issues related to DEI, and (4) Students’ Racial Justice and DEI Action Steps/Leadership. These important perspectives identify pathways for Universities’ stated missions of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Authors

• Deborah Angela Perez, University of Miami

• Wendy Cavendish, University of Miami