ScholarlyCommons: Repository

Title

Access and Equity for African American Students in Higher Education: A Critical Race Historical Analysis of Policy Efforts

Author(s)

Shaun R. Harper, Ph.D., University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Lori D. Patton, Ph.D., Iowa State UniversityFollow
Ontario S. Wooden, Ph.D., North Carolina Central UniversityFollow

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of this Version

7-1-2009

Comments

Suggested Citation:
Harper, S. R., Patton, L. D., & Wooden, O. S. (2009). Access and equity for African American students in higher education: A critical race historical analysis of policy efforts. Journal of Higher Education, 80(4), 389-414.

© 2009 Ohio State University Press

Abstract

Policies that have affected enrollments and degree attainment rates for African American students throughout the lifespan of higher education are analyzed in this article. Historically noteworthy progressive steps toward access and equity are juxtaposed with recent indicators of regression. Critical Race Theory is employed as an analytical framework for understanding how white supremacy and racist ideologies have shaped and undermined various policy efforts.

Keywords

Race, College Access, Critical Race Theory, African Americans