The Negative Impact of Racial Microaggressions on College Students of Color

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to describe the adverse impact of racial microaggressions on college students, particularly as it pertains to their decreased self-esteem and academic achievement. It will also provide insight on specific forms of microaggressions and how they may be perceived by various targeted groups. Although this chapter focuses on the impact of microaggressions on college students of color, the adverse effects on college students with disabilities, LGBTQ students, and students with physical and mental disabilities are to be noted as equally detrimental. Finally, this chapter will include implications to deconstruct racial microaggressions and provide insight on how educators and administrators may disarm racial microaggressions in the classroom and on college campuses in general.