Racism and Racial Equity in Higher Education
AEHE Volume 42, Number 1
J–B ASHE Higher Education Report Series (AEHE) Series

What does it means to work toward racial equity in higher education in the 21st century? This monograph answers just that with a synthesis of theory, research, and evidence that illuminate the ways in which racism shapes higher education systems and the experiences of people who navigate them.

Higher education leaders must move beyond vague notions of diversity and do the difficult work of pursuing systemic transformation and creating more inclusive environments in which racially diverse populations can thrive. Such work necessitates a deep understanding of the historic and contemporary role of racism in shaping postsecondary access and opportunity. This work will be of interest to those who recognize how advancing racial equity benefits all members of the campus community and larger society.

This is the 1st issue of the 42nd volume of the Jossey–Bass series ASHE Higher Education Report. Each monograph is the definitive analysis of a tough higher education issue, based on thorough research of pertinent literature and institutional experiences. Topics are identified by a national survey. Noted practitioners and scholars are then commissioned to write the reports, with experts providing critical reviews of each manuscript before publication.

Executive Summary vi

Foreword ix

Acknowledgments xii

Introduction 1 Racism and Racial Equity as a Framework for Understanding Race in Higher Education 10

Purpose of the Monograph 13

Outline of Monograph 14

Racial Frameworks in Higher Education 16

Foundations of Racial Theory in Higher Education 16

Critical Race Theory 17

Utility and Limitations of Critical Race Theory Scholarship in Higher Education 25

Racially Conscious Institutional Frameworks 29

Conclusion 37

Historical and Contemporary Racial Contexts 38

Historical Foundations of Racism in Society 38

From Old to New Forms of Racism in Society 44

Conclusion 48

Systemic Racism in Higher Education 49

Manifestations of Racism in Higher Education History 49

Racism in the Experiences of Higher Education Faculty 60

The Role of Racism in the Experiences of College Students 67

Conclusion 71

Advancing Scholarship and Advocacy to Achieve Equity in Higher Education 72

Advancing Racial Equity in Higher Education Scholarship 75

Advancing Racial Equity in Higher Education Policy 77

Advancing Racial Equity on College Campuses 79

Conclusion 82

Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions Related to Racism and Racial Equity 84

References 87

Name Index 104

Subject Index 109

About the Authors 112