Publication Date

2008

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Abstract

This study examined the perception of campus climate between White students and Black and Latino students at one independent school in New England. It was hypothesized that there would be differences in the perception of campus climate between the two groups, specifically as it relates to campus climate as defined by; students feeling safe, listened to, valued, and treated fairly and with respect. The study utilized previously collected data gathered with a survey addressing diversity. There were150 students surveyed, with 21 of those students self identified as Black or Latino. The responses of identified Black and Latino students were examined in comparison to the 104 completed surveys of students that identified as White. The questionnaire was composed of 56 statements and questions, seven of those were selected to examine the difference. The statements selected were chosen based on their relevance to issues concerning campus climate. The major findings were the following. There was significant difference in the responses of White students and Black and Latino students in items pertaining to racism and diversity. Questions that addressed a student's sense of belonging and connection to the school were not significantly different. These findings have implications for clinical social work by providing social workers and other clinicians working at independent schools with strategies to support those students of color who present with issues related to campus climate. As well as a resource, to provide guidance for faculty and administration about the perception of campus climate between the Black and Latino students and the White students.

Comments

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2008. iv, 47 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 37-40)

Download

Share

COinS