Journal of Education & Social Policy

Aquatic Disparities in Historical Black Colleges and Universities to State Colleges in North Carolina
Laura Garner, MAT

Abstract
This study examined the aquatic facility access, aquatic curriculum offerings, and pool use in both state and historically black colleges in North Carolina. Reviewed schools through the Physical Education Department (PED) curriculum and verbal contacts of the aquatics department. The PED curriculum data collected the number of classes available, the qualifications of the instructors, and the type of classes available to the students. Most colleges and universities, both state and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, had pools or access through close proximity to the campus. Few of the community colleges had access to aquatic facilities. Seven out of 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) possessed aquatic classes in their curriculum worth academic credit. Two out of 12 HBCUs possessed pool facilities but failed to include aquatic classes in their curriculum. The most frequently offered courses were beginning and intermediate swimming, and lifeguarding. In contrast, eleven out of 12 State Colleges and Universities had a pool; however, not all offered classes in aquatics. Indoor pools are not an issue in the lack of curriculum-offered aquatic classes. State schools offer more aquatic courses. HBCUs used their pools in conjunction with athletic departments and offer minimal lessons in the academic PED classes. I worked with Diversity in Aquatics, a group that promotes and networks with diverse populations in drowning prevention and any teaching or interest with aquatics. At a Diversity in Aquatics conference, not only did I present a data driven poster and a power point, I had the opportunity to hear many aquatic academia speak and present information, expanding my resources.

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