Non-majority student perceptions of diversity and inclusion at a PWI and an HBCU

Authors

Gloria Campbell-Whatley, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Chris O’Brien, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Kim Reddig, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Ting Sun, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Shaqwana Freeman-Green, University of North FloridaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-11-2021

Abstract

Purpose: Using survey research, the purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of diversity to examine perceptions of diversity and inclusion among majority and non-majority students at a predominately White university (PWI) and a historically Black university (HBCU) observing any patterns of difference between majority and non-majority groups to make inferences regarding students’ sense of belonging, given current national efforts to establish inclusive excellence on university campuses. Design/methodology/approach: Results based on Likert-scale responses on a validated questionnaire were analyzed using independent samples t-tests to identify differences for each survey item. Eta squared was used as an effect size measure. The PWI and HBCU were then compared by item analysis. A two-way factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the independent impact of each of the universities (i.e. PWI, HBCU) and the interaction of those two factors in their effect on the dependent variables (i.e. race, gender, sexuality). Findings: Results indicated significant differences between the majority and non-majority groups on multiple items within each university site. Further, significant differences were observed between the universities in perceptions and experiences of diversity and inclusion. Originality/value: Unique in this study was an examination of perceptions of inclusion at a PWI and an HBCU based not only on non-majority status of race, but also on gender and sexuality with the intention of expanding the research base associated with “sense of belonging” to other groups who have existed as “diverse others” in the context of majority culture dominance.

Publication Title

Journal for Multicultural Education

Volume

15

Issue

3

First Page

253

Last Page

269

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1108/JME-03-2021-0028

ISSN

2053535X

E-ISSN

20535368

Citation Information

Campbell-Whatley G, O’Brien C, Reddig K, Sun T, Freeman-Green S. Non-majority student perceptions of diversity and inclusion at a PWI and an HBCU. Journal for multicultural education. 2021;15(3):253-269. doi:10.1108/JME-03-2021-0028