More than a window dressing?: A critical race institutional ethnography of a multicultural student services administrator at a PWI

Abstract

Finally, I want to acknowledge that the faith my family instilled in me is a source of peace. My agua bendita and tarjetas protect my loved ones and me every day, so gracias a La Virgen de Guadalupe por illuminar mi camino. xiv ABSTRACT Multicultural student services (MSS) emerged on predominantly white institutions (PWIs) as a result of student of color movements demanding equitable access, representation, and culturally relevant support systems. Over time, the goal and purpose of MSS has shifted away from its political roots and these offices are now expected to provide diversity education for all students thus limiting their ability to serve as advocates for racial equity. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how the policies, unwritten rules, and practices of institutions of higher education shape the work of MSS and influence the overall access and success of students of color in American higher education. Through the use of institutional ethnography and critical race theory, this study mapped out how organizations, policies, unwritten rules, and practices shape the everyday work life of a MSS administrator at a public, land-grant, Midwestern university. The organizations that emerged were Midwestern State, Midwestern University, the College of Innovation, and Joshua as the MSS administrator for the College of Innovation. A series of master and counternarratives bring forth how racism shapes the policies, practices, and unwritten rules in each organization that mediate Joshua's work as a MSS administrator. Implications for practice and research aim to challenge institutions to examine how they define and practice racial equity and encourage colleges and universities to do more than simply decorate their windows with diversity. xv DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS This section provides definitions of key terms that will be used throughout the study. 1. Depoliticization: The process of removing the political intentions of MSS. 2. Deracialization: The process of removing race as the primary focus of MSS. 3. Policy: A high-level plan that encompasses the general goals and procedures of a governing body (Iverson, 2007). 4. Problematic: The point of entry and inquiry in institutional ethnography (M. Campbell & Gregor, 2004). 5. Practice: the action of or process of performing or doing something (Practice, 2010). 6. Racial equity: Equitable outcomes for students of color in higher education that include access, retention, and graduation. Racial equity also encompasses the social transformation of predominantly white institutions, where equity for all students is an integral part of the institution. 7. Ruling relations: The sites such as legislation, governing boards, and administration, where power is produced and enabled throughout society (Wright, 2003). Ruling relations are also mediated by dominant cultural ideologies and serve the interests of the dominant society (D. E. Smith, 2005). 8. Social relations: "Sequences of action in which people are involved at different stages but not necessaril...

Complicity with the neocolonial project in education: A deconstruction of student affairs preparation practices

“…Ruling relations can be recognized through various methods, including examination of texts (D. E. . Other methods include examining relationships and interactions between people within an organization (Ranero, 2011). Within institutional ethnography, texts are documents that exist over space and time such that they have relative permanence and can be distributed widely (D. E. .…”