White Higher Education Leaders on the Complexities of Whiteness and Anti-Racist Leadership

Abstract

In the midst of a global pandemic, racialized violence, and civil unrest, higher education leaders are faced with a difficult reality as their constituents call for meaningful engagemen­­­t and leadership. While many higher education institutions claim to value racial equity and inclusion and have identified them as hallmarks in their mission statements or strategic plans, a culture of whiteness and everyday white supremacy continue to plague higher education institutions. Given the limited research that examines White higher education leaders’ perspectives on race, racism and anti-racist leadership efforts, this critical phenomenological study explores how ten White higher education leaders navigate racial equity efforts at their institutions and the role their racial identity plays in the process. Specifically, this study examines the complexities and intricacies of whiteness in higher education and offers insight into the development of anti-racist policies, practices, and tools for White higher education leaders to begin thinking about their work in relation to their whiteness.