Publication Date
2020
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Johnson, Laura R.
Degree Name
Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)
Legacy Department
Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CAHE)
Abstract
Black males are often the recipients of police brutality, criminal stereotyping, and inequitable treatment in higher education. This qualitative study examined the experiential narratives of 15 Black male college students’ perception towards law enforcement officers. The data was collected via one-on-one interviews, concluded with a focus group, and then presented in narrative forums. The participants’ feelings, attitudes, or beliefs about themselves as Black males significantly contributed to their inherent identification of the cultural challenges associated with law enforcement officers. The participants’ personal and vicarious life experiences prior to enrolling into higher education were significant to the authentic comprehension of the developmental factors of Black male college students’ perception of law enforcement officers. The majority of participants shared their overwhelming feelings of their view of White people as a contributing factor to their perception of law enforcement officers. Participant views of White people consisted of feelings of mistrust, oblivious to cultural biases, and being unjustly authoritative. This study illustrated the need for comprehensive reform of practices and policies in both law enforcement and higher education. Campus law enforcement officers should consider a cultural-based approach for interactions with Black male college students. Black males’ prior experiences and interactions with noncampus law enforcement officers is a primary developmental factor for their perceptions towards law enforcement officers. The findings of this study provided viable solutions and strategies provided directly by the individuals impacted by systemic racism and whiteness looming on predominantly White institutions.
Recommended Citation
Bennett, Junelle M., "A Qualitative Study: Black Male College Students’ Perceptions of Campus Law Enforcement officers on a College Campus" (2020). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 6852.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/6852
Extent
243 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Education Policy Commons, Law Enforcement and Corrections Commons
