Latino/a/x Engineering Undergraduate Students’ Experiences with Racialized Ideologies: The Case of One Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Three Emerging HSIs

Abstract

In this paper, we draw on Anzaldúa’s conocimiento framework to examine 22 Latino/a/x undergraduate students’ trajectories to and through engineering education at four university campuses. Findings show that these students have encountered an array of racial stereotypes about Latinos/as/xs, grappled with the lack of representation of Latino/a/x students and faculty in their departments, and been subject to racial microaggressions. Our findings have implications for engineering education regarding the creation of policies and practices that set a welcoming culture for Latino/a/x students and challenge oppressing practices in engineering.