Racial Climate On Campus Essay

Racial Climate on College Campuses
Researchers have illustrated that race plays an integral role in the college experiences of African American students, specifically on predominantly white institutions (Allen 1987; Chavous et al. 2004; Harper 2008; Guiffrida 2003). Studies have found that the racial makeup of the college environment strongly influences African American students’ academic and social experiences and outcomes (Allen 1988; Harper 2008; Guiffrida 2003; Shingles 1979). Interestingly, there is a concern surrounding the type of school environment that fosters the optimal success of African American students. It has been argued that predominantly white institutions provide greater academic resources for its students and require African

2004; Harper, Carini, Bridges, & Hayek 2004). Because these institutions emphasize philosophies that resemble the values in the black community, the increased number of black faculty and administration which cater to the academic needs of the black student population, and the large black student representation on campus, many African American students tend to succeed on historically black institutions compared to mainstream institutions (Allen 1987; Chavous et al. 2004). Another factor illustrates that students of color become better acclimated and assimilated to the campus environment when they become involved with African American student organizations (Guiffrida 2003; Harper, Carini, Bridges, & Hayek 2004; Harper 2008; Walter & Hutcheson 1998). African American student organizations, including Greek organizations, serve as agents for social integration of students of color. Researchers have examined how African American student organizations help black students become socially and academically integrated at PWIs (Guiffrida 2003; Walter & Hutcheson 1998). Involvement on campus illustrates a deepened connection to the campus environment which counteracts feelings of social isolation and alienation on campus (Chavous et al. 2004; Guiffrida 2003; Harper 2008). It is unclear how African