Affirming Spaces: A Critical Race Theoretic Analysis of Experiential Knowledge at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Racism in the United States permeates institutions, including universities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives were created to support and empower racially marginalized students, but political backlash ended DEI initiatives across the U.S. Amid this abandonment, students of color are increasingly seeking institutions that affirm their racial and cultural identities. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT), this study examines the microaffirmations narrated by Hispanic/Latinx and African American students at a HSI in Texas. We found that HSIs can function as affirming spaces that strengthen the intellectual agency of Latinx and Black undergraduates.
Source: Journal of Latinos and Education
Authors: Marthinus S. Conradie, Michael L. Boucher
Institutions: University of the Free State, Texas A&M University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225403545