Perceptions of colorism within the K-12 learning environment as evidenced by educator response and student narrative

America has proven to be a country in which racial discrimination is not only common, but also anticipated. As such, racism has been shown to be embedded within the general fabric of our education system. Existing under the umbrella of racism, the concept of colorism—the practice of showing preference for individuals with light complexion and Eurocentric phenotype over those with dark complexions and more Afrocentric phenotype—has been shown to be evident in practice not only outside of schools but within them. This study investigated perceptions of colorism within the K-12 instructional environment through the use of two educator surveys and student interview. In doing so, a mixed method approach was utilized as a means of evaluating the association between student impressions and educator practice. Implications of this study are specific to the presumed presence of colorism within the K-12 instructional environment.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Warren, Ivanna M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Pak, Yoon
• Ward Hood, Denice
• Huang, David
• Kang, Hyun-Sook

• Critical Race Theory
• Racism In Education
• Colorism In Education
• Racial Hierarchy
• Complexion Hierarchy
• Attractiveness
• Favoritism.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Ivanna Warren

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120306

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F120306