Date of Award
5-1-2015
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Educational Administration
First Advisor
Dilley, Patrick
Second Advisor
Hytten, Kathy
Abstract
This study contains qualitative portraits based on the stories of three white university professors who are nominated by their students as white allies. Through the thick description of setting and context, white privilege is named as the researcher's experience and that of each of the participants. The researcher examines ways in which each participant strives to disrupt racism. Using a lens of critical theory applied through critical pedagogy and critical whiteness philosophies, the researcher highlights the following themes as they emerge: education, exposure, empathy, and engagement. This study contributes to the literature by providing examples of white professors challenging racism in a university setting.
Access
This dissertation is Open Access and may be downloaded by anyone.