Diversity in nursing faculty hinges on diversity in nursing students

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Education
• Higher Education Studies
• Diversity and Inclusion in Academia

Background:

• Explores interrelationships between white male and female faculty and minority faculty in higher education.
• Addresses the impact of attitudes on the success of minority students and faculty.
• Considers projected demographic changes within higher education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explicate and highlight interrelationships from a minority perspective.
• To discuss the effect of attitudes on minority success in higher education.
• To encourage white female faculty to recognize the impact of their attitudes on minority colleagues and students.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of interrelationships within higher education.
• Discussion-based approach to exploring attitudinal impacts.
• Perspective-taking from a minority viewpoint.

Main Results:

• Negative attitudes held by white faculty can significantly hinder the success of minority students and faculty.
• The inculcation of negative attitudes can be transferred, leading to devastating results for minority individuals.
• Current dynamics in higher education perpetuate inequities for minority faculty and students.

Conclusions:

• White female faculty need increased awareness of how their attitudes affect minority individuals.
• Attitudinal change is crucial for fostering a more equitable higher education environment.
• Minority faculty and students require fair opportunities to succeed in academia.