Challenges African American Students Face When Adjusting to Predominantly White Institutions

108 Pages·2015·0.5 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2015
Challenges African American Students Face When
Adjusting to Predominantly White Institutions
Argyle Jeanine Smallwood
Walden University
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Walden University

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Argyle Smallwood

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. James Valadez, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty
Dr. Michael Tappler, Committee Member, Education Faculty
Dr. Anja Zwingenberger, University Reviewer, Education Faculty

Chief Academic Officer

Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2015
Abstract
Challenges African American Students Face
When Adjusting to Predominantly White Institutions
by
Argyle J. Smallwood

MBA, Strayer University, 2007
BS, Elizabeth City State University, 2004

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education

Walden University
October 2015
Abstract
The purpose of this case study was to explore the challenges African American students face
when adjusting to predominantly White institutions and to review these institutions’ diversity
policies to determine whether the institutions are aligned with African American students’ needs.
The study was based on critical race theory to examine whether and how racial microaggressions
influence racial tension at the predominantly White institutions selected for this study. The
research questions were used to gauge (a) the level of comfort among African American students
attending one of these predominantly White institutions, (b) their overall satisfaction with their
decisions to attend the institution, and (c) whether an active diversity policy could be found at
that institution. Qualitative data were collected from a sample of 107 African American students
attending 1 of the 6 predominantly White institutions selected for this study. Descriptive
statistics of cross-sectional survey data, along with the diversity policy within each institution,
were employed to measure (a) the mean and standard deviation of participants’ satisfaction with
the environment their campus provided, (b) the decision to attend their institution, and (c) the
awareness of their institution’s diversity policy. The chi-square test was conducted to test
student awareness of the diversity policy and their satisfaction with the organization of the
policy. The results from this test were significant (p < .01), showing that the participants were
aware of their institution’s diversity policy and the protection it provides. Through effective
policy changes, predominantly White institutions can positively affect graduation and retention
rates among African American students and provide a greater opportunity to promote positive
social change.
Challenges African American Students Face
When Adjusting to Predominantly White Institutions
by
Argyle J. Smallwood

MBA, Strayer University, 2007
BS, Elizabeth City State University, 2004

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Education

Walden University
October 2015
Table of Contents

List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv

Section 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1

Introduction ....................................................................................................................1
Background ....................................................................................................................4
Problem Statement .........................................................................................................5
Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8
Research Questions ......................................................................................................10
Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................10
Theoretical Base ..........................................................................................................11
Definition of Terms......................................................................................................14
Scope and Limitations of the Study .............................................................................15
Significance of the Study .............................................................................................15
Summary ......................................................................................................................17
Section 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................18

Introduction ..................................................................................................................18

The Many Layers of Diversity .....................................................................................18

Historical Implications Toward Diversity ...................................................................20

Discriminatory Practices ..............................................................................................27

Creating a Diverse Campus .........................................................................................30

The Need for Diversity Polices at Predominantly White Institutions ..........................32

i
Academic Success and Retention at Predominantly White Institutions ......................34

Summary ......................................................................................................................37

Section 3: Research Method .............................................................................................39

Introduction ..................................................................................................................39

Research Design and Approach ...................................................................................40

Rationale of Study........................................................................................................41

Setting and Sample ......................................................................................................42

Threat to Validity .........................................................................................................45

Instrumentation and Materials .....................................................................................45

Data Collection and Analysis.......................................................................................49

Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................51

Ethical Consideration ...................................................................................................52

Summary ......................................................................................................................52

Section 4: Results ..............................................................................................................53

Introduction ..................................................................................................................53

Problem, Research Questions, and Hypothesis............................................................54

Quantitative Analysis ...................................................................................................54

Descriptive Statistical Analysis ..............................................................................55

One-Sample Chi-Square Test .................................................................................56

Qualitative Analysis .....................................................................................................59

Policy Critique ........................................................................................................60

Interview Analysis ..................................................................................................62
ii
Evident Interview and Policy Themes ....................................................................65

Section 5: Discussions, Conclusion, and Recommendations............................................71

Introduction ..................................................................................................................71

Discussion and Conclusion ..........................................................................................71

Recommendations Based on Findings .........................................................................73

Further Research as it Informs Practice .......................................................................74

References ..........................................................................................................................76

Appendix A: Surveys ........................................................................................................95

iii
List of Tables

Table 1. Descriptive Statistics of Participants’ Levels of Satisfaction .............................56

Table 2. Chi-Square Test of Student Awareness of Diversity Policy ...............................57

Table 3. Chi-Square Test Statistics on Students’ Awareness & Satisfaction of the Policy
& Its Organization.........................................................................................................57
Table 4. Chi-Square Test of Student Satisfaction With Diversity Policy
Organization ..................................................................................................................58
Table 5. Interview Questions ............................................................................................62

iv
1

Section 1: Introduction to the Study
Introduction
Higher education institutions have evolved during the past century. According to Barnett
(2011), “Recent shifts in many economic and socio-demographic factors of university
environments have brought about unprecedented changes in systems of higher education” (p.
131). Although these changes are evident, some universities are slow in accomplishing real
change and implementation, forcing hidden curriculums of diversity on students. According to
Esposito (2011), “The hidden curriculum of diversity is the informal interactions and lessons
students learn regarding gender, race, difference, and power” (p. 145). For example, issues of
diversity can be indirectly imposed on students without a formal lesson plan or syllabus. The
indirect imposition of diversity on a student dates to 1933 when Carter G. Woodson authored
The Mis-education of the Negro. Asante (1991) highlighted Woodson’s belief that “African
Americans have been educated away from their own culture and traditions and attached to the
fringes of European culture; thus dislocated from themselves and often valorizing European
culture to the detriment of their own heritage” (Asante, 1991, p. 170).
As the importance of higher education increases, Rodgers and Summers (2008) showed
how more African American students are deciding to move forward in their educational
endeavors. Rodgers and Summers highlighted in a Department of Educational Statistics report
that “ . . . in 2001, 87.1% of African American undergraduates attended predominantly White
institutions” (p. 172). Because Rodgers and Summers’ research showed that 87.1% of African
American students are deciding to attend predominantly White institutions, questions may arise
concerning retention and graduation rates. Rodgers and Summers highlighted, “Predominantly