Racial Discrimination on College Campuses

Racial discrimination is a social issue that not only affects students on campus, but also the community around them. Discrimination has become institutionalized, meaning that various systems, including higher education, make decisions based on race unconsciously. My research project was a survey administered to multiple colleges in the Northwest that examined how racial climate affects perceived discrimination on college campuses. This included the perceptions of campus climate, perceptions of academic experience, and personal information related to interactions with others. Many times racism and discrimination can be taboo, but if we can address it up front, then we can change it upfront. Colleges are a significant part of what a community is, as it provides education for students coming from various neighborhoods and high schools. They can become a major turning point for students in building relationships with people of differing backgrounds than their own. If college students can become more aware of racial discrimination and what it means, they will be better equipped, as our country is becoming more diversified. There will be a need to understand racial discrimination and working with others different than oneself in the workforce. Although my focus is on higher education, I believe starting sooner would be even more ideal. Regardless, racial discrimination is real and we need to address it. The differential treatment of people based on the color of their skin should not be tolerated