Life After Black Codes: History of Race in Higher Education in the U.S

... in the aftermath of the Civil War, many Southern states enacted the "Black Codes," which were laws designed to restrict the freedom and opportunities of newly freed African Americans, including limiting their access to higher education.

Dear Family,

Thanks for stopping by. I wanted to take a moment to share with you the history and impact of race in higher education. As someone who believes in the power of education to change lives, I find this subject both disheartening and thought-provoking. When I think back to the early days of higher education in the United States, I can't help but wonder, were opportunities ever really equal? You see, from its inception in 1636, college attendance was primarily reserved for wealthy, white men. For Black people and other minorities, attending college was often legally prohibited and discouraged, with significant changes only occurring in the 20th century.

This harsh reality has left a lasting impact on higher education in the United States, with traces of these unfair practices still noticeable in our colleges and universities today. However, as we dig deeper into the history of race in higher education, we start to discover the incredible strength, determination, and persistence of marginalized communities, particularly Black people who fought hard for the right to learn and the chance to shape their own lives.

So, let's take a journey together through time, unraveling the complex story of race in higher education, and maybe while doing so, we can inspire a new commitment to creating a more inclusive and fair future for everyone. So I invite you to uncover the lessons of the past to guide and motivate our actions today and beyond.

To truly grasp the early beginnings of race in higher education, let's take a trip back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries in the United States. Picture a society where education was seen as a privilege rather than a right, a society where the color of your skin dictated the opportunities available to you. During this period, African Americans and other minority groups faced immense challenges when it came to pursuing higher education.

Not only were they actively discouraged from attending college, but they were also legally barred from entering certain institutions due to discriminatory practices and legislation. For instance, in the aftermath of the Civil War, many Southern states enacted the "Black Codes," which were laws designed to restrict the freedom and opportunities of newly freed African Americans, including limiting their access to higher education. In this era, higher education was predominantly the domain of wealthy, white males who enjoyed unfettered access to prestigious colleges and universities.

Now, let's take a moment to reflect on the consequences of this historical reality. For example, minority students had limited options for pursuing higher education during a time when societal norms and racial prejudice created a blatantly uneven playing field. This made it incredibly challenging for marginalized communities to access the benefits of higher education.

Grasping this historical context allows us to better understand the immense hurdles minority students faced in the early days of higher education in the U.S. It also highlights the subsequent progress and perseverance as individuals and communities relentlessly fought for equal opportunities in education, regardless of race.

African American students were primarily limited to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which were often underfunded compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs). However, there were a few exceptions, like Oberlin College, which admitted students of all races. I admire those trailblazers who dared to defy the odds, like Mary Jane Patterson, the first African American woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. These brave individuals paved the way for future generations, asserting that education is a fundamental right for everyone.

The Birth of HBCUs

As the United States expanded and the number of colleges and universities grew, so did racial segregation. Black students were systematically denied access to higher education, and in response, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established, starting with Cheyney University in 1837. Today, there are over 100 HBCUs in the United States. Despite making up just 3% of American colleges and universities,?HBCUs produce 17% of all bachelor's degrees awarded to African American students.?These institutions have been instrumental in providing educational opportunities to marginalized communities, empowering generations of Black Americans to become leaders in various fields.

Landmark Legislation

Fast forward to 1954, and the landmark case of Brown vs. Board of Education transformed America's education landscape. This Supreme Court ruling declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and sparked a wave of desegregation that extended to colleges and universities. However, change was far from easy. Resistance to desegregation was strong in many areas, and the struggle for true equality in higher education was far from over. The introduction of affirmative action policies in the late 1960s was an attempt to level the playing field by considering race as a factor in college admissions.

?The 20th century brought about significant changes in American society, including the Civil Rights Movement. Landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 helped dismantle segregation in higher education and increased access to college for students of color. As a direct result of these legislative efforts, the percentage of college students of color in the United States has increased.

Despite progress, a diversity gap between students and faculty remains in higher education. Students of color remain underrepresented at many institutions, particularly selective colleges and universities. Achieving diversity in higher education is not only about increasing the number of students of color but also about creating inclusive environments that support the success of all students.?As of 2017, only 24% of full-time faculty members at degree-granting postsecondary institutions were people of color.?This lack of diversity in faculty can have far-reaching implications for students, particularly for students of color who may not see themselves represented in their academic mentors. By increasing faculty diversity, colleges and universities can help create an environment where all students feel valued and supported.

Achievement Gaps

The significant disparity in six-year graduation rates between white and Black students (69% and 41%, respectively) highlights the ongoing achievement gap in higher education. This has practical implications, as lower graduation rates for Black students can result in reduced career opportunities, lower lifetime earnings, and decreased social mobility. The achievement gap also suggests that systemic barriers, such as unequal access to resources and support, may disproportionately affect minority students in higher education.

What Can Move the Needle?

1-???Implement Holistic Admissions Processes

?One way colleges and universities can promote a more diverse student body is by adopting holistic admissions processes. This means considering a wide range of factors beyond just test scores and GPAs, such as extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendations. By evaluating applicants based on their unique experiences and backgrounds, schools can admit a more varied group of students with diverse perspectives. For example, the University of California system eliminated the use of standardized test scores in their admissions decisions, focusing instead on a comprehensive review of each applicant.

2-???Offer Targeted Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs

Colleges and universities can also help create a more diverse and inclusive environment by providing financial aid and scholarships aimed at underrepresented students. By easing the financial burden on students from lower-income backgrounds or underrepresented groups, schools can attract and retain a more diverse student body. For instance, some universities have specific scholarships for first-generation college students, which can support students whose parents did not attend college and may face unique challenges in navigating the higher education landscape.

3-???Actively Recruit and Support Diverse Faculty

?To ensure a more diverse faculty, colleges and universities can be proactive in their recruitment efforts, targeting underrepresented groups in academia. By offering competitive salaries, mentorship programs, and resources for career development, schools can create an environment that attracts and retains diverse faculty members. One example is the use of cluster hiring, where institutions hire multiple faculty members from underrepresented groups in a single department or across various departments. This approach not only increases diversity but also helps to create a supportive community for new faculty members from diverse backgrounds.

The Road Ahead

?As I close this letter, it's clear that the marathon isn't over yet. We've made progress, but we still have a long way to go. We must reflect on the past while looking to the future and ask ourselves: what can we do today? How can we continue to create diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in higher education? What new strategies and approaches can we adopt to ensure that every student, regardless of race, has the chance to thrive?

By engaging in conversations, challenging biases, and working together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable higher education system. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we carry forward the legacy of those who have come before us, let's work to bend that arc even further, creating a world in which education is a right enjoyed by all, regardless of race.

Thanks for your time today…talk to you soon.

Much Love,

Dr. Jae

???My Recommended Books on the History of Race in Higher Ed

The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935 - by James D. Anderson - This book investigates the origins of public education for African Americans in the South during the era of segregation, detailing the struggles and progress in Black education.

Ebony and Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America's Universities - by Craig Steven Wilder - This groundbreaking work examines the deep ties between American higher education institutions and the slave trade, providing insight into the complex relationship between race, education, and the founding of America's universities.

Between the World and Me - by Ta-Nehisi Coates - Although not solely focused on higher education, this powerful book discusses race in America and the role of education in the lives of Black Americans, drawing from Coates' own experiences and reflections.

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America - by Ibram X. Kendi - This National Book Award-winning work traces the history of racist ideas in America, discussing how these ideas have shaped institutions, including higher education and providing a new understanding of the struggle for racial equity.

The Black Campus Movement: Black Students and the Racial Reconstitution of Higher Education, 1965-1972- by Ibram X. Kendi - This book explores the efforts of Black students during the Civil Rights era to transform higher education in America, demanding increased access and representation for people of color.