The PWI Under Review: Black Professionals in Academia
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As the working populations at predominantly white institutions (PWI) become
increasingly diverse, the need to understand how this space impacts the experiences of minorities
functioning in them has become critical to developing inclusive spaces designed for personal and
professional growth. It is already documented that Blacks working in predominantly white
environments perceive racial discrimination in their work environment at more prevalent rates
compared to their counterparts functioning in more racially diverse environments (Assari et. al
2018, Hudson et. al 2020). Some studies have even specifically explored experiences of
perceived racial discrimination among students and faculty at predominantly white institutions
(Gossett et. al 1996, Reeder et. al 2013, Zambrana et. al 2016). Other essays offered critiques of
current diversity efforts in academia as being primarily centered around merely growing working
minority populations and potentially negative implications that arise from this practice
(Anderson 2015, Dominguez 1944), with one comprehensive essay asserting that diversity
training programs designed to facilitate safer, more inclusive work environments can often work
in the reverse manner (Dobbin et. al 2018).
Evidently, a gap in knowledge exists. Understanding how Blacks and African-Americans
respond to this potentially distressing environment has yet to be investigated despite being
absolutely crucial. Further, the perceptions of staff populations at predominantly white
institutions, which tend to be the most densely populated with minorities on these campuses,
have been left out of research but are just as significant as any other working population to
understanding the experiences of minorities in this space. Lastly, While certain studies have
noted the experiences of feeling hypervisible within one’s space and the complications that arise
when trying to mold one’s identity to fit certain environments, studies have yet to create one
comprehensive picture of what it means to Black in a predominantly white environment
(Anderson 2015, Dickens et. al 2019). The development of an overarching idea of how these
professionals perceive themselves, their colleagues, and their environment is integral to properly
understanding the Black experience as a professional in academia.