A Qualitative Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of A White Male Social Justice Ally Administrator Confronting Structural Racism At A Predominately White Institution

Author

Ramona Ann Curtis, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Discipline

Education Leadership

Abstract

Research focusing on White male allies confronting racism on Predominately White campuses remains scarce. White males in higher education dominate leadership roles and these roles still perpetuate White privilege on predominately White campuses. According to Lemaire (2001), White privilege examples can be found in four paradigms. The first is that Whiteness is normal. The second is that Whiteness is found in the execution of power. The third is that Whiteness is the standard, and the fourth is that Whiteness is American society. These findings suggest that White privilege in the academy is seen as valuable and highly regarded by those who possess it.

Ostrove and Brown (2018) noted that self-identified social justice allies have been studied; however, there is a need to study social justice allies whom people of color and other marginalized groups have identified. Patton and Bondi (2015) suggested exploring the journey of White male allies in their ally work. They suggested more research on White male allies who work to dismantle institutional and systemic barriers. This study examined the experiences of a White male social justice ally administrator and explored his experiences to identify factors that contributed to his success in confronting racism in the academy. White male social justice ally administrators in higher education who confront racism within the academy use their privilege to redefine a more equitable higher education system. Based on the participant’s responses, this researcher hopes their experiences will provide factors that influence others to continue confronting structural racism within the academy.

Keywords: racism, ally, Social Justice Ally, White men ally

Committee Chair/Advisor

Fred Bonner

Committee Member

Dorie Gilbert

Committee Member

William H. Parker, Sr.

Committee Member

Ostrova McGary

Committee Member

Lisa Thompson

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

© 2021 Prairie View A & M University

Date of Digitization

7/05/2024

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Curtis, R. A. (2024). A Qualitative Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of A White Male Social Justice Ally Administrator Confronting Structural Racism At A Predominately White Institution. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/44