Decolonization, Liberation and Empowerment: The Future of Chicanx and Latinx Education

• In Event: 1284 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 20. Race/Ethnicity and Higher Education

Abstract

Chicanx and Latinx students in the United States have been subjected to an education engrained
in racist and colonial models which have resulted in detrimental experiences for students of color
and the categorization of their achievement as inferior to other students. I look into decolonization
theory, specifically the work of Fanon, to explore ways in which resistance to these detrimental
policies and practices enables these students of color to succeed. Ultimately, I find that reforming
predominately white institutions (PWI) and even Hispanic serving institutions (HIS) fall short in
enabling these students from being successful in their academic careers. Therefore, I propose the
need to establish institutions made specifically with the needs of Latinx students in mind. I
advocate for the specific inclusion of Chicanx and Latinx studies in these institutions; I believe
this would enable the students to reach a level of decolonization, liberation and empowerment
which they have previously not been able to receive in other education institutions.

Author

• Angelica Ruvalcaba, Michigan State University