Shared Context, Divergent Disruptions: Institutional Racism, COVID-19, and First-Year College Experiences

• In Event: At the Institutional Level: Student Experiences With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has elucidated stark disparities in education quality and access in American schooling, while also prompting responsive innovations across classrooms of various levels. The current study engaged two groups of college freshmen [(Black (n=5) and white identifying (n=7)] at a medium-sized Northeastern university in focus groups in March 2021. Data were inductively analyzed to explore the reasons participants chose to attend the case study institution and to what extent, and in what ways, first year educational, and social-emotional experiences aligned with or diverged from their expectations, and how those experiences may be patterned by race. Preliminary results suggest similar perceptive losses across both groups, but a distinct sense of identity-based exclusion identified by Black participants.

Authors

• Sarah Trocchio, ModelExpand

• Bonnie Lehet, Rider University

• Aubrey Daniels, Rider University