White defensiveness in response to racial justice education has increasingly been understood through the "white fragility" framework. This study puts forth a new framework that instead identifies a typology of white defensive moves that actively work to uphold and fortify the white racial contract. Inspired by Solórzano and…

In this study, the experiences of Black-African international college students (BAIS) in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the experiences of BAIS in Historically White Colleges and Universities (HWCUs) in the United States was explored. This study reveals the narratives of BAIS regarding their racial acculturation…

Reported hate crimes in the United States have increased rapidly in recent years, alongside an increase in general racial animus. Scholars have shown that the larger sociopolitical environment can directly impact the campus climate and experiences of all students, particularly students of color. However, little is known about how reports of hate…

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a significant and necessary component of American higher education and should be treated and perceived as such. However, this has not been the case. Despite their lengthy track record of making significant contributions toward the advancement of Black people, HBCUs have faced discrimination.…

This study delves into the divergent experiences of Black students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Employing qualitative methods such as interviews and critical friend groups, the research investigates the social, academic, and cultural landscapes that…

HBCUs have contributed to the formation of strong leaders who have challenged many assumptions of our nation's founders, defended our sovereignty when attacked by internal and external enemies, and sacrificed for the betterment of their communities. HBCU campuses include opportunities for Black students to engage in religious and community service…

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to share the experience of delivering a culturally responsive teaching program, the R.E.F.O.R.M. Café, at a historically Black college and university. The R.E.F.O.R.M. Café provided an opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in dialogue that reinforces the need for social justice in preserving…

Background and purpose: Trans people of color experience health inequities related to their multiple marginalized identities. While historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) provide supportive learning environments for Black students, it is unclear if these protections extend to LGBTQ+ students. As trans youth experience barriers to…

Systemic racism in higher education has become a topic that has received a great deal of attention in the midst of social injustice in this country, it is because of the unjust experiences that African American people have faced throughout history that a boiling point was reached. The result of this is displayed by the different ways people have…

There is constant debate over the contributing factors that produce disproportionate outcomes in higher education between Black and White students. This study utilizes a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework and a qualitative phenomenological approach that pulls from the individualized and collective experiences of faculty, administrators,…

There are many theories that attempt to explain Black student behaviors, and outcomes in college. However, many of these theories that are held in high regard, oftentimes reflect cultural bias and rely heavily on quantitative analysis such as enrollment rates, grade point averages, and graduation rates. This study utilizes a qualitative…

In this paper, we focus on how Black students matter, from their perspective, in Ohio higher education. To better support Black students, policymakers, college leaders, and organizers must understand what is happening on the ground from students themselves. The words of the essayist and thinker, James Baldwin, are pertinent here: "Not…

Purpose: There is limited discussion in the teacher education literature about the experiences of pre-service black male teachers generally and the ethnic diversity among black male pre-service teachers specifically. Thus, this paper aims to explore the experiences of Frank, a black male refugee health education major attending an historically…

African American college students have historically faced many forms of rejection and isolation at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), particularly during the early years of academic integration (Allen, 1992; Mendoza-Denton, Downey, Purdie, Davis & Pietrzak, 2002). This study was conducted to determine if African American students who…