Student Affairs

About the Session

Love and racism can exist together, especially when white parents lack the ability to discuss race with their Mixed Race child(ren). This presentation explores the racial relationship between white parents and their Mixed Race children as explained through a recent dissertation study conducted by Dr. S. Jordan . Eight college age Mixed Race students participated in this qualitative study that interrogated how race was discussed (or not discussed) as a part of their upbringing. This work examines the entanglement of how good-intentioned, loving, white parents can ignore or reject the racial identity of their Mixed Race child(ren) and the impacts this has on reifying colorblind ideologies. Findings indicate that an absence of conversations about race significantly impact Mixed Race children’s identity and belongingness, that love and racism is a complex coexistence, and that parents’ inability to discuss race further perpetuates racial inequities Recommendations for student affairs practitioners and parents of Mixed Race children are explored with the intention of disrupting the traditional, race-neutral or race-negative ways we discuss race with children, even within the precious relationship of parent and child.

Session II, Tater Hill, Room 155

Learning Outcomes

1. As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to understand how racism can (and does exist) between white parents and their mixed race children.
2. Participants will be able to articulate their role in discussing race with their students.
3. Participants will be able to articulate how color-blind and race-neutral thinking further perpetuates racism, even when both family and educators are well-intentioned.

Presenter:  Dr. Shannon Jordan-jordansn@appstate.edu 

University Housing