Creating an Affirming Campus Climate

Abstract

Increasing incidents of ethnoviolence and decreasing enrollment and graduation rates for students of color are reflective of a national step backwards in race relations. American higher education is uniquely positioned to influence the quality of life in a diverse society by producing potential leaders who are mentally healthy and multiculturally educated. By establishing environments that affirm the personhood of ifs socially diverse constituents, the university can significantly improve the racial climate and minority graduation rates. This article explores the needs of both majority and minority students in predominately white settings and offers institutional strategies to meet those needs.