Drawing the Line: Keeping Colorism Out of the Classroom

Abstract: Colorism in the classroom impacts learning outcomes. Student motivation to learn, progress socially, and interact with faculty are all examples of influences on classroom dynamics. The problem investigated here is how colorism affects students’ mental health, academic performance, and their ability to seek out institutional available assistance as needed. Findings from this study may identify steps toward more inclusive teaching practices, avenues for reducing potential faculty practitioner biases, and approaches for facilitating greater positive classroom rapport.