The Paradox of the University: Black Queer Womxn In, But Not Of the academy

• In Event: Experiences of Black Scholars in Academia

Abstract

Diversity and inclusion are alleged university values that claim to welcome those with different life experiences and more. However, even as colleges and universities attempt, with questionable success, to include historically disenfranchised populations-institutions remain invested in the notions of exclusivity and elitism. Black queer and gender expansive womxn still face significant hurdles and bias at the intersections of their race, gender, gender identity, and sexuality. With the heightened pressures from legislative policies aiming to restrict curriculum, curtail academic freedom and justice work, Black queer and gender expansive womxn have always faced an academic environment intent on sustaining our marginalization in collusion with state-sanctioned surveillance, regulation, and erasure of Black queer and gender expansive experiences. This study will explore how these educators navigate hostile environments rife with racism, heterosexism, and misogynoir, but also, how they continue the fight for justice despite efforts that seek to silence, erase, and rewrite the past.

Author

• Leslie K Morrow, The Ohio State University