Hispanic-serving institution lobbyists: the influence of formative experiences on college-access policy discussions
Date
2013
Authors
Heredia-Griego, Meriah E., author
Anderson, Sharon, advisor
Davies, Timothy, committee member
Sagás, Ernesto, committee member
Sierra, Christine, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Lobbyists are increasingly a central part of the administration at higher-education institutions. The purpose of this study was to explore the formative life experiences, regarding race and racism, of lobbyists for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)-institutions with 25% or more Hispanic student enrollment-and how those lobbyists discussed access to higher education for undocumented students. The study describes how the participants constructed identities for themselves and undocumented students in a policy discussion, and it describes the role of HSIs in this timely policy discussion. To accomplish these goals, I used a qualitative research design that integrates elements of narrative inquiry and case study. I used holistic content analysis and dialogic/performance analysis to understand the relationship between formative life experiences and policy discussions. Additionally, descriptive and substantive representation theories provide a framework for critiquing the representation of undocumented students in HSI lobbying efforts. This first-of-its-kind case study informs lobbyist hiring practices, lobbying behaviors, policy discussions, and alignment of institutional values with lobbying initiatives at HSIs.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
narrative
dialogic performance
education lobbyists
government relations
Hispanic serving institutions
identity construction