Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Department

Education

First Reader/Committee Chair

ACEVEDO, NANCY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to add to the research about ethnic studies faculty. This study’s goal was to understand the experiences of ethnic studies faculty, post AB-1460. Prior to AB 1460, few colleges offered tenure track positions and few ethnic studies departments existed Ethnic studies faculty increased at college campuses throughout the state after AB 1460 passed. While many studies focus on ethnic studies, few center on faculty and their experiences. This study employed a qualitative research design, and it was a phenomenological study and used the lens of critical race theory. 12 full-time, tenure track faculty members participated in semi-structured interviews.

The findings showed that themes that emerged from the study were a.) exclusion, b.) hiring: finding home, c.) navigating, and d.) action. Ethnic studies faculty experienced exclusion prior to AB 1460. A major finding was through getting hired, faculty found a home space. Ethnic studies faculty navigated their department building through networks, relying on past experiences taking action through creating a pathway, teaching, and serving on campus committees.

A major recommendation was for ethnic studies faculty lead the ethnic studies discussion. As ethnic studies grows, ethnic studies faculty lead the development in the 4 autonomous disciplines at their sites. Because of the status of ethnic studies, there is potential for creating schools of ethnic studies.

Download

  Contact Author

Share

COinS