Stated Value, Renewed Commitment? Technical Education's Response to Racial (In)Equities During COVID-19

• In Event: Equitable Education Systems and the Pandemic: Organizational Perspectives

Abstract

Amid interlacing crises during COVID-19, postsecondary education is facing a call to action to address systemic racial inequities. This study is aimed at interrogating how technical education, a key part of community colleges, responds to this call. We investigate a state technical college system’s emerging efforts regarding racial (in)equities, and how BIPOC students are reflected in related communications. Guided by Critical Race Theory and using critical content analysis supported by text mining, preliminary findings show: a) the one-time nature of equity-related activities, b) the direct reference to Black students and other minoritized students in emergency funds communications, c) the focus on criminal justice/law enforcement related training, and d) a lack of an explicit reference to racial equity in new program development.

Authors

• Xueli Wang, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Ayse Okur Ozdemir, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Xiwei Zhu, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Yen Lee, University of Wisconsin - Madison