Abstract:

The climate and culture within academic institutions has become a topic of conversation among scholars. This dissertation focuses on the inclusion of historically excluded groups of people in academia, in particular blacks and Latino/as. Minority scholars' presence had been limited due to past discriminatory policies and practices, but policies have changed, and minority scholars are gaining entry into academia. Using critical race theory (CRT), this study adds to scholarship by having black and Latino/as faculty members "name their own reality" as they provide narratives about their experiences in a predominately white urban research university, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Using a 15-question, open-ended interview guide, an online survey, and personal interviews, data was collected from 30 minority faculty members. How do department climate, area of research interest, and tenure status affect the workplace experiences of black and Latino/a faculty at UWM?

Results indicate that some minority scholars at UWM experience tokenism, isolation, and marginalization within their departments. Minority faculty discussed negative interactions with peers and department chairs. Generational differences, tenure status, and proportions are discovered and discussed. The proportion of other minorities in a department affects the way faculty view the academic climate. The more diverse a department the higher the comfort level for minority faculty. Doing research on racial or ethnic issues is not held in high regard in some departments, and minority scholars' research methods are questioned. In addition, racial microaggressions (subtle verbal, nonverbal, and/or visual insults) have been witnessed or experienced by minority faculty on campus.

The Latino/a faculty in the study seem to have a closer relationship among their group than the black faculty members. Senior Latino/a faculty are mentoring junior faculty and collaborating on research together. Junior black faculty question what they view as a white hegemonic culture and climate at the university as well as the lack of perceived mentorship from tenured senior black faculty at UWM.

This study makes recommendations to university officials and senior faculty about how to alleviate the negative climate at the university. Diversity initiatives have been implemented by UWM, but a continued negative institutional climate exists.