The Siren Song of Higher Education: An Analysis of Public R1 University Statements in Response to the Murder of George Floyd

• In Event: Black Students, Alumni, and Higher Education Across Racial Unrest and Inequality

Abstract

This study investigates how high research activity (R1) university presidents respond to racialized violence when they are in proximity to sites of Black death. This study used a qualitative critical content analysis method as well as anti-Blackness and BlackCrit frameworks to examine R1 university presidents’ initial responses to George Floyd’s murder. Findings revealed that R1 presidents utilized passive language to avoid addressing systemic racism, centered their university values, and held mixed responses about the role of police. This study may also reveal the contradictions R1 institutions exhibit by having responses that do not align with the “antiracist” ideology, most universities adopted following the murder of George Floyd. In regards to regional differences, we found no significant differences in responses.

Authors

• Chetachukwu Uchenna Agwoeme, University of Pittsburgh

• Keanna Cash, University of Pittsburgh

• Elon Dancy, University of Pittsburgh