College Honors Program

Belonging on the Hill: BIPOC Student Experiences with DEI Initiatives at Holy Cross

Date of Creation

5-17-2024

Document Type

Campus Access Only

First Advisor

Sarah Ihmoud

Abstract

This thesis examines the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students at the College of the Holy Cross, considering how they cultivate a sense of belonging at a predominantly white institution. This thesis begins by establishing an understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) structures in higher education and existing literature on DEI academia. Additionally, it provides a critical analysis of the College's strategic plan (ASPIRE), focusing on the inclusive Excellence pillar of DEI-led initiatives to further understand how Holy Cross has interpreted DEI. Drawing on ethnographic research with BIPOC students, who have historically been marginalized from the College, the paper works to uplift the experiences of historically marginalized groups while simultaneously promoting institutional change. Ultimately, it argues that BIPOC student voices should be central to the development and implementation of effective DEI strategies in Predominantly White higher education institutions.

Comments

Reader: Jeremy Jones

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