Unique benefits and challenges of having Latino/a/x criminal justice faculty in the HSI classroom

• In Event: Roundtable: The Experiences of Junior Latina/o/x/e Faculty in Criminal Justice Programs at Hispanic Serving Institutions

Abstract

While the number of Latina/o/x/e faculty have increased in criminal justice, their representation at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) is not necessarily a given. In the classroom, the dynamic between Latina/o/a/x and students is one that requires special consideration. This is important as many criminal justice students go on to work in diverse city and state communities across the United States. Here, the authors explore the benefits and challenges of identifying as Latina/o/x/e and navigating classroom dynamics. This is critical to examine in context where Hispanic servingness is a major priority of the institution. Some of the general topics examined here relate to language commonalities, empathy, and approaches to mentorship.

Author

• Chris Guerra, The University of Texas at El Paso