This discourse analysis and content analysis examined media bias in the representation of critical incidents that have occurred at historically black colleges and universities in dominant contemporary print news media. The research was framed using the two theories of agenda setting theory and framing theory. The literature at the foundation of the research was divided into three categories: the influence of dominant ideology and discourse on black higher education, stereotypical black images toward blacks, black culture, or historically black colleges and universities and demonstrated agenda-setting in news stories surrounding critical incidents and issues. The findings showed that bias media coverage was a pattern in the news articles examined. Biased content, ethnic prejudices and ideologies were presented by the media rather than just simple facts about the incidents. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]