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Constantly Battling Whiteness CONSTANTLY BATTLING WHITENESS: A CRITICAL CASE STUDY OF BLACK STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES AT A PREDOMINATELY WHITE INSTITUTION Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Lane R. Washington, M.S. Graduate Program in Educational Studies The Ohio State University 2020 Dissertation Committee Dr. Marc P. Johnston-Guerrero, Chair Dr. Noelle W. Arnold Dr. Susan R. Jones Copyrighted by Lane R. Washington 2020 Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the campus racial climate and the experiences of Black students at a Predominately White Institution (PWI). Using the Multi-Contextual Model for Diverse Learning Environments (MMDLE) as a theoretical framework and Critical Race Theory as an analytical tool, this research interrogated the ways in which race and racism shape the experiences of Black students at a uniquely structured PWI focused on social justice. Guided by a critical epistemological foundation, this critical case study addressed the following question: What is the campus racial climate for Black students at a social justice striving PWI? Additionally, several sub-questions, influenced by the five dimensions of the MMDLE, guiding the study were: (a) What historical aspects of the institution informed contemporary climate for Black students?; (b) How did the institutions' policies and practices influence Black students’ experiences with the racial climate?; (c) How did the racial composition of the university inform the campus racial climate?; (d) What did the cross-racial interactions look like for Black students and their peers?; and (e) How did Black students perceive the institution in terms of race? In the study, 24 students, 6 faculty, and 17 administrators with different races, ethnicities, ages, and experiences provided insights into the racial climate for Black students. Four different data collection methods were used in the study. Through focus groups, one-on-one interviews, observations, and artifact analysis, data were collected to better understand how Black students navigate a social justice striving PWI. Despite the institution seemingly making strides towards social justice, the findings illustrated the lack of intentional efforts around social and racial justice as Black students described difficult relationships with cross-racial peers, the institutional environment, and its leadership. Ultimately, the aim of the study was to showcase the experiences of Black students at a PWI to inform future research, policy, and practice. iii Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to Black collegians throughout the country. Your stories, experiences, and persistence inspire me. Keep fighting. iv Acknowledgments When I first began this program, I was told time and time again that a Ph.D journey is a not a sprint, but a marathon. As with any long run, there is a need for coaches, trainers, support groups, teammates, mentors, and role models. I would not have been able to complete this marathon without incredible support of friends, family, and colleagues. I am honored to acknowledge the individuals and communities who got me through this journey. First, I would like to give the biggest thank you to my advisor and chair, Dr. Marc Johnston Guerrero. Looking over my time in this program, there has never been a moment where I regret pursuing a Ph.D or attending Ohio State and I believe in large part that is because of your presence in the program. You have been an incredible trainer, a brilliant scholar, and a patient advisor who helped pushed me along the way. I truly value the trust and transparency established over the years and cannot imagine completing this journey without your guidance. I know now that I can run further than ever with someone like you guiding the way. Thank you for everything. Next, I want to thank my faculty who have supported me throughout this Ph.D journey. Dr. Lara Perez-Felkner, thank you for supporting me as my Master’s advisor. I will never forget that this journey began with you believing I could pursue a Ph.D right away my time at FSU. You believed I could accomplish it when others tried to steer me a different direction. Thank you. This study would not be what it is without their diligent questions, excellent feedback, and care. Dr. Shirley Yu, thank you for pushing me to think more critically and providing feedback that has elevated my study. I want to provide special thank you to my dissertation committee. Thank you Dr. Susan R. Jones, first my coach in the classroom and then a member of my committee. I truly appreciate the time and energy you have dedicated and devoted to me. It has v not gone unnoticed. Dr. Noelle Arnold, thank you for mentoring me in the ways to embody a true scholar-practitioner. You allowed me to push my thinking both as an academic and as an emerging professional and I cannot thank you enough. Perhaps the most important acknowledgments go to my family. Mom, from the beginning, you always pushed the importance of academics. Thank you for attending every parent-teacher conference, making sure I was always ahead in school, and pushing me to get involved in extracurriculars. Ever since I was in elementary school, you told me I was going to get a Master’s degree. Then once I was in a Master’s program, the conversation turned to achieving a terminal degree. You always believed in me and always saw the best in me. This degree belong to you just as much as me, if not more. Thank you. Dad, thank you for always being there when I needed you. You are and have always been my rock. You have always believed in me and made sure I had everything I ever needed to be successful. I could not have asked for a more supportive and dedicated father. I am so blessed you are in my life. Thank you. To my sisters - Lanee, Blaine, Dana, Blake, and Ronda! I am so lucky to have each and every one of you in my lives! The best support group I could have ever asked for. You all have helped me in ways you do not even realize. Thanks for being such great family and my best friends! To all of you, I will always remember I am representing the Washington Family. Next, I would like to acknowledge and thank my mentor and supervisor, Dr. Mull. I could spend way too long writing about your importance in my life. My professional and academic career were shaped by your influence in my life. I would not be finishing in a Ph.D program right now without you. I still remember the conversation that we had that inspired me to go straight through and I will never forget it. Thank you for taking a chance on me as an undergraduate intern and still believing in me 7 years later. Thank you for believing in me to hire vi me as a new professional and continually giving me opportunities to learn and grow. Your faith and support in me has never been lost on me. Thank you. I want to acknowledge my amazingly supportive colleagues from PACT - Trudy Bartley, Autumn Glover, Tei Street, and Cassaundra Patterson. Thank you for believing I could be a productive and helpful team member as the Graduate Assistant of PACT. You all supported me every step of the way and I cannot thank you enough. I owe you all more than I can express. Next, I want to thank two of my mentors who I have been fortunate enough to stay in touch with throughout the years. Thank you Heather Keirn-Swanson and Dr. Kim McKee. Mrs. Keirn, you were one of the first teachers who truly believed in me. Thank you for always encouraging me to be proud of who I am. 10 years later and I am still proud to know you. Dr. Kim McKee, thank you for helping me discover so much about myself. It is astounding that four years ago, we talked about areas that I wanted to study for my dissertation and today, was able to accomplish it. I appreciate our relationship so much. To my doctoral cohort, I hit the jackpot when I met you all. Antonio, Ashley, Courtney, Kaity, Laura, Shannon, and Tiffany – you have made my time here in Columbus truly spectacular. I never anticipated loving each of you so much and truly believing I have created lifelong friendships. Thank you for making these past several years unforgettable, in a really positive way. I want to thank some of the closest people and friends in my life, Erin, Jalesa, Junior, and Lindsey. Erin, your brilliance and support helped me get through this program. I cannot thank you enough for all the time and space you allowed me to take to talk endlessly about my dissertation. Jalesa, I am unsure if I have anyone in my life who believes in me as much as you do. Thank you for your constant belief, patience, and faith. I am so fortunate to have you in my vii life! Junior, I am so glad we lucked out and were roommates together during our Master’s. I never expected to have a lifelong friend who is always there for me when I need them. Thank you for always supporting me. Lindsey, the best officemates I have ever had. I do not know if we ever anticipated having such a close relationship after our Master’s but I do believe this friendship may be forever at this point. Lucky us! Thanks for always allowing me to be 100% me. Finally, I want to thank the participants of this study.
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