A Space Is a Terrible Thing to Waste: HBCU Role in Fostering Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Belonging, and Liberation

A Space Is a Terrible Thing to Waste: HBCU Role in Fostering Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Belonging, and Liberation

Joseph L. Jones, Lakeshia L. Jones
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 14
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-4023-0.ch013
OnDemand:
(Individual Chapters)
Available
$37.50
Current Special Offers
No Current Special Offers
TOTAL SAVINGS: $37.50

Abstract

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are not consistently and systematically assessed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Moreover, when HBCUs do engage in DEIB work, it often reflects the efforts of Predominately White Institutions (PWIs). This chapter focuses on how DEIB manifests at HBCUs and its practice within its unique historical and educational context. Moreover, this chapter explains how DEIB is employed at HBCUs. In addition, the authors make the case of how HBCUs can engage in DEIB work by addressing issues involving LGBTQIA, developing policies that foster gender equity, and cultivating spaces for non-black students to become successful and embraced at HBCUs. In conclusion, the authors argue that HBCUs ought to employ a fifth rail in this work called liberation that centers the work of DEIB and addresses internalized racism to bring about a truly liberated space.
Chapter Preview
Top

Background

HBCUs were founded before the American Civil War by philanthropists, churches, and state governments to serve the need of educating black folks during Reconstruction and beyond. Most HBCUs started as elementary or high schools but began to offer bachelorette and post-bachelorette degrees at the turn of the 20th century (Lovett, 2011). Also, at their founding, most HBCU administrators, staff, and faculty were white. Eventually, when black people acquired their credentials, they began to take up leadership roles in these spaces (Lovett, 2011).

The designation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities was issued due to the Higher Education act of 1965. This piece of legislation enshrined, at the time, all-black colleges and universities with the designation of Historically Black College and University due to desegregation efforts that outlawed separate educational institutions for black and white people. The HBCU designation was assigned to these institutions to acknowledge their unique place in the history of educating black people and for special funding to be allocated to them (Lovett, 2011).

Complete Chapter List

Search this Book:
Reset