Investigating Black Student Access Initiatives at Four Canadian Universities: Making the Case for Race-Conscious Policies and Practices

• In Event: College Access, Black Students, and Ethnic Studies

Abstract

Black, African and Caribbean (BAC ) families believe in education, specifically postsecondary education, as a means by which they can access social and economic success. But, are postsecondary institutions and provincial governments committed to providing BAC students such opportunities – committed enough to institute Black-conscious recruitment and support initiatives? Using data from a qualitative multi-case study of university documents, provincial policies and initiatives, this paper ascertains what, if any, intentional efforts to recruit BAC students and ensure their access to higher education exist. Findings indicate that BAC students’ access to university has not been an institutional priority for some universities or provinces, and these institutions are working through frameworks that do not adequately recognize structural anti-Black racism.

Authors

• Lance Trevor McCready, University of Toronto

• Vidal Chavannes, University of Toronto

• Philip S. S. Howard, McGill University

• Marlon Simmons, University of Calgary

• Barb Hamilton-Hinch, Dalhousie University