The Perception of Racism at Indiana University-Bloomington: Do Students Consider Racism to be a Problem on Campus?

This study examines the perceptions and attitudes of students at Indiana University - Bloomington about racism, discrimination, and cultural diversity on campus using a survey questionnaire. The survey consisted of three sections, one was background information and the other two were questions relating to perceptions and attitudes about racism on campus. The students were randomly selected from all classes that were offered during the second summer term on campus. Participants were also selected from various on-campus locations. Data was collected from 111 undergraduate and graduate students on campus. The results from this study indicate that students do perceive racism to be a problem on campus. There was also a significant difference in the perception of racism based on race (black and white) and gender. Black students reported much more negative experiences with regards to racism and discrimination than did their white counterparts. The findings of this study support other studies conducted on racism that conclude that racism is a perceived problem on campus by students