(In)visible Women: The Experience of Black Female Undergraduates at Three Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract

Institutions of higher learning, such as Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia Universities, have all claimed a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. However, black women consistently report feelings of isolation, invisibility, and general unhappiness with their undergraduate careers. This study aims to understand why black women are disappointed with their college experiences despite these universities’ alleged commitment to ensuring students of all background can thrive. Through interviews with twenty-one seniors at Princeton, Penn and Columbia, I learn that black women undergraduates feel isolated and alienated on their campuses for four main reasons: the constant burden of being the only woman or student of color in academic settings; the absence of a supportive, cohesive black community; the dearth of mentorship that cater to the needs of black female students; and the everyday interactions with professors, peers, and administrators that frequently end up as sites of gendered racism. Even though black women demonstrate methods of resistance against these difficulties, on the whole, they contribute to black women’s persistent feelings of marginalization on these campuses.