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ERIC Number: EJ1099150
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1938-9809
EISSN: N/A
The Pervasiveness of Racial Prejudice in Higher Education in the U.S.: Raising Awareness and Solution
Osa, Justina O.
Forum on Public Policy Online, v2007 n3 Sum 2007
Racial diversity is one of the greatest strengths of America?s higher education system. But racial prejudice is entrenched and pervasive in many campuses of institutions of higher learning. A close observation reveals that racial prejudice is not restricted to any race. As much as one would like to believe that simply passing legislations and making policy decisions designed to promote diversity and acceptance of all peoples, genuine decision to accept diversity resides on the personal or individual level. This article focuses on the pervasiveness of racial prejudice on campuses of various institutions of higher learning. The author shares her experiences in predominantly white and black institutions in the United States of America. Her experiences substantiate the view that (1) each race has some already formed assumptions, expectations, and beliefs about other races and (2) individuals who belong to the majority race often enjoy better opportunities and feel more comfortable on campus than those individuals from the minority groups. If the American society is to enjoy the benefits of racial diversity, all individuals have a role to play in the fight against racial prejudice. In this article, the author discusses some of the characteristics of racial prejudice as manifested on campuses. She also suggests strategies to (1) raise individual awareness of one?s own beliefs regarding other races that are culturally-bound or inherited and (2) promote diversity and cultivate a positive and inclusive campus climate where all feel valued and welcome.
Oxford Round Table. 406 West Florida Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. Tel: 217-344-0237; Fax: 217-344-6963; e-mail: editor@forumonpublicpolicy.com; Web site: http://www.forumonpublicpolicy.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A