Journal of Education & Social Policy

Racial Equity in Higher Education: the Lingering under Representation of Students of Color in Graduate Programs
Beverly P. Lyons, Ph.D., L.M.S.W.; Bakry Elmedni, Ph.D.

Abstract
Many U.S.-born white college students have been replaced by underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in urban areas, including New York, due to changing demographics and immigration patterns. In spite of these changes, students of color are underrepresented in graduate programs; hence, the purpose of this study was to explore what factors facilitate or impede this phenomenon. A series of four focus groups were conducted among 23 non-traditional immigrant students of color. Findings were categorized according to the predisposing, enabling, and need factors of Andersen’s (1995) behavior model. Policy and practice implications were discussed urging attention to cultural competency and racial equity.

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