Dissolving Ethnic Studies: A Case Study of Miami University

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Transforming Educational Systems: Views From Campus Units

Abstract

Ethnic Studies within colleges and universities address a longstanding need for critical analysis, representation, and understanding of power. Yet despite the documented benefits of such programs, including stronger cultural competency, higher education institutions have merged and dissolved these programs and limited curricula offerings. Using the single case study of Miami University, Ohio, this paper investigates the chronological development, campus contexts, and organizational dynamics that led to the creation, minimization, and ultimately dissolution in 2018 of their ethnic studies programs. Findings from this study serve as a cautionary tale of the rhetoric, justifications, and challenges other universities might and likely will face.

Authors

• Katherine S. Cho, Miami University

• Hanah Bloom, Miami University - Oxford