Examining Campus Based Multicultural Centers At Predominantly White Institutions

Campus based multicultural centers at predominantly White institutions have the surmountable task of both supporting marginalized identities and educating the majority White community on diversity and social justice issues. As a unit, often placed under student affairs, multicultural centers are the only unit that is tasked with a dual position of support and education for the entire campus community. While there is an abundance of research on Black cultural centers, diversity education, and on certain populations within historically marginalized identities, there is little to no research on the departments and units that are charged with all of the components listed. This study examined multicultural centers at predominantly White institutions, including their programs, services, missions, and structures to gain an understanding of what made these centers successful and how multicultural centers function within this unique dual position.