The effects of multiracial identification on students’ perceptions of racism

Abstract

This paper compares the differing perceptions of racism reported by White ( n = 222), Black ( n = 99), and White–Black multiracial ( n = 45) students at an urban campus of a Southern university. Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we examine the differences between the racial groups in three campus contexts—campus in general, with instructors, and with other students. Items chosen for analysis included behaviors or actions experienced by at least 4% of the respondents. In nearly all areas, the multiracial student group reported the most experience with prejudice. We employ standpoint theory to discuss these findings.