Fly in the Buttermilk: How Integration and Discrimination Affect African Americans at Iowa State
- Yovan Cardenas (Iowa State University)
- Basil Rain (Iowa State University)
- Danielle Hernandez (Iowa State University)
- Peter Benzoni (Iowa State University)
Abstract
For many years African slaves were legally denied access to education. In modern day Predominantly White Institutions, African Americans sti ll face many simi lar challenges of denied opportunity and representation. In particular, we will discuss how the low expectations of African American individuals can create se lf fulfilling prophecies via a number of factors, most prominently through overextension or degradation of expectations, both historically and in contemporary times. We also examine other factors contributing to historic trends in low African American achievement. including the spokesperson effect and lack of adequate support networks, especially in comparison to historically _black co lleges and universities. Finall y, we will both critique ISU 's current efforts to support African American Students and propose a plan of action for future effort thereof.