Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

An appreciative inquiry approach for white student affairs professionals involved in racial justice work

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/4f16c6666

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  • This qualitative study examined the experience of White student affairs professionals involved in racial justice work at a predominantly White institution in the Pacific Northwest. This study explored participants' consciousness of their white identity, white privilege, and commitment to end systems of privilege and oppression in regards to White supremacy and racism. 8 participants were recruited and interviewed as well as a literature review to shape the research questions, method, and results. The researcher used an appreciative inquiry approach in the researching focusing on what White student affairs professionals are doing well in racial justice instead of focusing on what they are not doing well. The principle results were varied and extensive. Participants who were in the study demonstrated a heightened awareness of their white identity, white privilege, and systems of privilege and oppression. They reflected on their experiences in racial justice, challenges they face, how they advocate on their campus, and what keeps them sustained within their work. There were 6 themes that emerged throughout the research including: (a) finding White student affairs professionals' place in racial justice work, (b) the regional whiteness of the Pacific Northwest, (c) what racial justice means for White people, (d) a need for institutional change, (e) restructuring allyship, and (f) the future of justice work and the importance of optimism. Findings from this research will help inform student affairs as a profession and professionals (White student affairs professionals and professionals of color) working towards racial justice. This research will help White student affairs professionals to reflect on their white identity and white privilege in a meaningful and practical way. White student affairs professionals should reflect on their identity as a white person to work more effectively with students and professionals of color and also serving as support and role models for White students. This research will serve as a tool for Whiteness to be examined and empower White people to work towards ending systems of privilege and oppression.
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