The resolution of educational disparities for Hispanic students is a continual endeavor embedded deeply in historical, societal, and educational norms. Without deliberate structural and systematic initiatives, these educational inequities cannot be eliminated. This interpretive qualitative study delved into how New York state suburban,…

This study explores the perceptions of Hispanic students regarding their teachers' equity-oriented classroom practices at Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC), a majority-Hispanic community college in Southern California. The study used a qualitative phenomenological approach and involved twelve participants: three teachers and nine Hispanic students.…

Although Assembly Bill 705 has done much to increase completion of transfer level math in the California Community College system, historically marginalized students including the Latina/o/x student population continue to experience equity gaps in transfer-level math completion. This qualitative case study investigated the experiences of…

While racially minoritized students are gaining access and enrolling in post-secondary institutions at higher rates, institutionalized oppression and exclusionary practices impact students' experience and success. Colleges and universities have an obligation to create environments that are welcoming, just, and fair for all students who choose to…

For decades Latinas have been mobilizing their communities to call out and address the injustices they have encountered as women and as students of color (Garcia & Marquez, 2011). Latinas are becoming the fastest-growing minority group in California, and projections indicate this trend is expected to continue (American Association of…

Institutional researchers (IRs) at higher education institutions fulfill a crucial role in identifying, processing, and disseminating data to administrators. Identifying effective ways for leaders to make sense of data is essential to advancing the most critical institutional issues, including achieving equitable student outcomes. However, leaders…

Historically, bodegas or corner stores are linked with hundreds of thousands of Latinos that left the Caribbean after World War II and came to live in New York barrios. These stores tailored their products to the needs of Hispanics and Latinos, providing a place for people to purchase products from their country of origin. Today, bodegas sell a…

Public Schools across the US face a common challenge in supporting minoritized students reach high academic standards. Standardized assessments repeatedly demonstrate Latinx and English Learner populations are underserved by US schools, reflecting the need to improve equitable access to high-quality instruction with a focus on diverse and…

The purpose of this dissertation study was to identify the nature of 23, 4th grade children's talk in social justice awareness circles about topics representative of DEI issues. Omitted in prior research on student talk is the "situatedness" of the classroom discussion and how local context, school climate, media coverage of sensitive…

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that lead to the disproportionality of the graduation rates of African American and Latinx students at College X. This qualitative case study utilized interviews with faculty, staff, and administrators, document analysis, and site observations to study a small Midwestern college, College X.…

Purpose: This study examines the educational gaps of Latinx students at the community college level. The Puente outreach program is evaluated as a possible exemplary program to improve retention and success in completing degree-applicable and transferable classes. Puente's goal is to encourage Latinx students to attend college and provide support.…

This study aimed to explore and analyze the experiences and perceptions of K-12 public school principals who served predominately Latinx students in southern California as technology leaders during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The research sought to investigate school principals' awareness, beliefs, and attitudes as school community technology…

Western Carolina University (WCU) enrolls students from many different backgrounds and demographic categories. While access to the institution has expanded over the years, equity gaps still exist relative to retention and graduation outcomes for students in different demographic groups. Several offices at the University offer programing and…

This dissertation shed light on the need for higher education institutions to design support systems for undocumented students inside and outside of the classroom, especially when they apply to or attend prestigious universities. In addition, this study highlighted how I survived higher education, my home, and U.S. society through my multiple…

The California State University's Graduation Initiative 2025 has strengthened and renewed campuses' commitment toward supporting students on their educational journey to ensure they meet their ultimate goal of graduation. Of equal importance is the elimination of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic equity gaps in graduation completion, especially for…