A Retrospective Assessment of the Educational Benefits of Interaction Across Racial Boundaries

Abstract

Through the analysis of alumni survey data from three graduating cohorts, this study examined the influence of interracial interaction on college outcomes and explored factors that helped to promote interracial interaction on college campuses. Its findings indicate that interracial interaction made unique, consistent contribution to college outcomes and that college activities, such as course-work outside the major, contact with campus staff, intramural sports, performing arts or music, and visiting speakers, were likely to promote interaction across racial boundaries.