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Constantly Battling Whiteness.pdf (1.35 MB)

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Constantly Battling Whiteness: A Critical Case Study of Black Students' Experiences at a Predominately White Institution

Washington, Lane R
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu157795462636352

Abstract Details

2020, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Educational Studies.
The purpose of this study was to describe the campus racial climate and the experiences of Black students at a Predominately White Institution (PWI). Using the Multi-Contextual Model for Diverse Learning Environments (MMDLE) as a theoretical framework and Critical Race Theory as an analytical tool, this research interrogated the ways in which race and racism shape the experiences of Black students at a uniquely structured PWI focused on social justice. Guided by a critical epistemological foundation, this critical case study addressed the following question: What is the campus racial climate for Black students at a social justice striving PWI? Additionally, several sub-questions, influenced by the five dimensions of the MMDLE, guiding the study were: (a) What historical aspects of the institution informed contemporary climate for Black students?; (b) How did the institutions' policies and practices influence Black students’ experiences with the racial climate?; (c) How did the racial composition of the university inform the campus racial climate?; (d) What did the cross-racial interactions look like for Black students and their peers?; and (e) How did Black students perceive the institution in terms of race? In the study, 24 students, 6 faculty, and 17 administrators with different races, ethnicities, ages, and experiences provided insights into the racial climate for Black students. Four different data collection methods were used in the study. Through focus groups, one-on-one interviews, observations, and artifact analysis, data were collected to better understand how Black students navigate a social justice striving PWI. Despite the institution seemingly making strides towards social justice, the findings illustrated the lack of intentional efforts around social and racial justice as Black students described difficult relationships with cross-racial peers, the institutional environment, and its leadership. Ultimately, the aim of the study was to showcase the experiences of Black students at a PWI to inform future research, policy, and practice.
Marc Johnston-Guerrero, Ph.D (Advisor)
Noelle Arnold, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Susan R. Jones, Ph.D (Committee Member)
240 p.
African Americans; Black Studies; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Washington, L. R. (2020). Constantly Battling Whiteness: A Critical Case Study of Black Students' Experiences at a Predominately White Institution [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu157795462636352

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Washington, Lane. Constantly Battling Whiteness: A Critical Case Study of Black Students' Experiences at a Predominately White Institution . 2020. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu157795462636352.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Washington, Lane. "Constantly Battling Whiteness: A Critical Case Study of Black Students' Experiences at a Predominately White Institution ." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu157795462636352

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu157795462636352
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.