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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until July 17, 2029

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Between the Lines: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Executive Communications at Predominately White Institutions

Sanders-Yates, Karen L
http://orcid.org/0009-0003-6382-682X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1721161357263342

Abstract Details

2024, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Educational Leadership.
Cabrera (2018) contends that higher education institutions, originally not racially inclusive, continue to struggle with this legacy, often upholding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values performatively rather than substantively. This study explores the pervasive influence of Whiteness in the strategic plans and mission statements of Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) in U.S. higher education, analyzing how these documents reflect and perpetuate racial inequities. Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS), the qualitative research examines texts from eleven PWIs to address how Whiteness is manifested in the mission statements and strategic plans. Furthermore, this study examines whether the demographic backgrounds of the Strategic Planning Committee members influenced the discourse within the plans or mission statements. The study identifies six discursive strategies: Avoidant, Passive, Symbolic, Performative, Structural, and Transformative Discourse, which range from the deliberate exclusion of systemic racism discussions to comprehensive systemic changes aimed at promoting equity. The research finds that demographic diversity alone does not ensure more inclusive outcomes, emphasizing the complexity of achieving genuine diversity and inclusion within institutional planning. This study offers critical insights for scholars and practitioners in higher education, highlighting how institutional language perpetuates Whiteness and suggesting the need for approaches that go beyond demographic representation.
Kate Rousmanire (Committee Chair)
Joel Malin (Committee Member)
Leah Cox (Committee Member)
Cristina Alcalde (Committee Member)
Judy Alston (Committee Member)
187 p.
Educational Leadership
Critical Discourse Analysis; Whiteness; Strategic Plans; Document Analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sanders-Yates, K. L. (2024). Between the Lines: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Executive Communications at Predominately White Institutions [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1721161357263342

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sanders-Yates, Karen. Between the Lines: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Executive Communications at Predominately White Institutions. 2024. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1721161357263342.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sanders-Yates, Karen. "Between the Lines: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Executive Communications at Predominately White Institutions." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1721161357263342

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1721161357263342
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.