Disrupting systemic whiteness at a Hispanic serving institution
Date
2021
Authors
Scott, Brandi L., author
Muñoz, Susana, advisor
Poon, Oiyan, committee member
Bell, Thomn, committee member
DeMirjyn, Maricela, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Over 65% of all Latinx students in higher education attend a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). HSI is a federal designation based on an institution having a minimum of 25% of the student population identifying as Hispanic. Despite the growing number of HSI designated institutions across the United States, these institutions have not always resulted in higher educational outcomes and success for Latinx students. Further exploring what contributes to an HSI's ability to support Latinx students is highly important to shifting cultural experience and outcomes for Latinx students. Specifically, this study explores how whiteness exists at HSIs and what role whiteness plays with institutional agents' ability to serve Latinx students. Critical whiteness studies, Garcia's (2017) Decolonizing Hispanic Serving Institutions organizational framework, and Ray's (2019) racialized organizations theory were used to inform this critical qualitative, exploratory case study conducted at a recently designated HSI four-year public university. Three themes were identified in this study a. "the rhetoric of all" is a tool of white supremacy, b. "taxation on the bodies" of People of Color, and c. whiteness through "good intentions." Recommendations for challenging whiteness are offered for HSI's, faculty, student affairs staff, and senior administrators.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
HSI
servingness
equity
whiteness
Latinx