Preliminary Investigation of Efforts to Improve Awareness of Racial Microaggressions on Campus

Abstract

Exposure to racial microaggressions negatively impacts the well-being of people of color. Researchers examined responses to a bystander workshop implemented to combat racial microaggressions at a Predominantly White Institution. Participants attended training sessions and completed several surveys prior to and after the workshop for 7 weeks. Results indicate that participants obtained and maintained knowledge presented during the bystander workshop. Significant differences for gender and racial status were identified surrounding the degree to which participants reported observing microaggressions on campus throughout the 7 weeks of the study. Data also indicate that colorblind racial attitudes predicted participant satisfaction with the program, as well as an underrepresented racial identity. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.