Issues Affecting Black Women in College - Essay Example

Serving in the leadership position has forced the black women to navigate their identities to suit their leadership roles (Winkle-Wagner, 2009). The vast majority in the college discriminate the black women on the basis of color. This has, therefore, derailed their academic performance in the college. Equally, the discrimination causes a sense of rejection and demoralizes black women. Cases have been reported on instance was violence have erupted or black women dropping out of school. Student leadership helps in linking the administration with the students.

However, black women being the minority do not secure the slot. However, in case they secure student governance; they are frustrated by fellow students which will prompt resignation or forceful removal from office. According to Chambers (2011), the lack of representation creates discontent and segregation of the blacks. A college often draws students from different cultural backgrounds. It is crucial to observe that even when segregation and discrimination are unwritten laws, the practice has been embedded in college education and other social institutions.

  This way, the essence of practice being dominant continues to impact the people of color negative in various experiences (Commodore, n.d.). Arguably, black women encourage the “concrete ceiling” while in college.  The experience makes it difficult for black women to progress in their profession. Additionally, their survival in the college is often in jeopardy since it is difficult to operate in a system that works against them (Bryant, 2017). Despite the presence of the glass ceiling that acknowledges the existence of the barrier the black women face when advancing their education, it has failed to work out because of a lack of willingness to address the challenges.

Corresponding to the structure that oppresses one’s effort is complex. The scenario of black women being discriminated against affects their academic performance and creates hate among the students (Cook, 2010). The administration also contributes to the growing challenges black women face in college. For example, the board of trustees are often major stakeholders in colleges, therefore, have a major say in admitting a student into the college. Equally, they opt to choose those who work with them to “look like them”.

For instance, when electing a student president, a student who is not black is desired (Bryant, 2017). Also, the patriarchal society and gender norms designed by the society affect black women's progress in college.  The assumption that women should choose a career that will take minimal time influences black women's experience in school (Commodore, n.d.).  The socially accepted norm is for a man to work long hours while a woman should take minimal time. The continuous stereotyping also labels the black women as “bad mothers” just like the “welfare queen” myth flashing in their minds.

  This has forged the continual movements by feminisms in calling for gender equality (Chambers, 2011). The most salient issues women face in college are race and gender. However, the low expectations by the majority make the black women fear to rise and fight for their rights. The campus communities observe the social status and race a lot. The aback women, therefore, feel enslaved and oppressed with little to do to have their issues addressed (Cook, 2010). Sexual harassment is also another issue.

Black women are often subjected to sexual incidences where they are raped while in college. This is because they are considered helpless and the assumption that the authorities would not act promptly when it involves black women being sexually harassed.  Black women can overcome the issues by obtaining mentorship from other black women. Further, black women mandate a mandate in developing positive attitudes towards their endeavors (Chambers, 2011). Undoubtedly, school plays a significant role in promoting resilience.

The black women experiences in college can improve if evidence strategies are incorporate in the school system to help in intervention and prevention efforts (Bryant, 2017).  The factors include the support systems, family involvement, participation in academic seminars or honors, and participation in extracurricular activities.  This can be achieved considering the tremendous increase in the number of women joining college.