Strategies of Resistance among Racially Minoritized Students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution: A Critical Race Theory Perspective. (16th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Comeaux, Eddie; Grummert, Sara E.; Cruz, Nelly A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of higher education. Volume 92:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 465
• Page End: 498
• Publication Date: 2021-04-16
• Subjects: Race -- racism -- critical race theory -- campus racial climate -- support networks -- resistance -- Hispanic-serving institution; Education -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Periodicals; 378
• DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2020.1851569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1546

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Employing critical race theory and a student resistance framework, this study qualitatively explored how minoritized college students view and interpret their racialized experiences in academic settings at a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and what strategies they have employed to manage and respond to the campus racial climate. Drawn from seven focus groups and eight in-depth interviews, the findings demonstrate that the studied campus promoted racial diversity but failed to facilitate the processes and practices to achieve the educational benefits of a diverse college campus. Study participants were keenly aware of the campus racial climate and encountered racism in a variety of forms. They strategically relied on informal networks for support and collective well-being and also engaged in subtle and creative strategies of resistance. The article includes recommendations for creating equitable, safe, productive environments for racially minoritized students at HSIs and elsewhere.