Perceptions of colorism within the K-12 learning environment as evidenced by educator response and student narrative

Warren, Ivanna M.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120306 Copy

Description

Title

Perceptions of colorism within the K-12 learning environment as evidenced by educator response and student narrative

Author(s)

Warren, Ivanna M.

Issue Date

2023-04-21

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Pak, Yoon

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Pak, Yoon

Committee Member(s)

• Ward Hood, Denice
• Huang, David
• Kang, Hyun-Sook

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Critical Race Theory, racism in Education, colorism in Education, racial hierarchy, complexion hierarchy, attractiveness, favoritism.

Abstract

America has proven to be a country in which racial discrimination is not only common, but also anticipated. As such, racism has been shown to be embedded within the general fabric of our education system. Existing under the umbrella of racism, the concept of colorism—the practice of showing preference for individuals with light complexion and Eurocentric phenotype over those with dark complexions and more Afrocentric phenotype—has been shown to be evident in practice not only outside of schools but within them. This study investigated perceptions of colorism within the K-12 instructional environment through the use of two educator surveys and student interview. In doing so, a mixed method approach was utilized as a means of evaluating the association between student impressions and educator practice. Implications of this study are specific to the presumed presence of colorism within the K-12 instructional environment.

Graduation Semester

2023-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Ivanna Warren

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