Skip to main content
Article
Safe & sound? Perceptions of campus safety for Black college students
Race Ethnicity and Education
  • Cara S. Maffini, San Jose State University
  • Koryn C. Dillard, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1080/13613324.2021.1997972
Abstract

This study seeks to expand the conceptualization of campus safety incorporating both physical and psychological dimensions and drawing attention to the experiences of Black college students. Using the 2019 ACHA-NCHA biannual assessment, this study examined campus safety experiences of Black/African American in comparison to White undergraduate students (N = 27,820) and how these relate to psychological distress and suicide attempts. Results demonstrate that Black students felt significantly less safe and reported experiencing physical assault and sexual penetration without consent (rape) compared to White students. Significantly more Black students reported feeling angry, hopeless, and attempted suicide. Moderation analyses showed ways in which being stalked and verbally threatened strengthened the relationship between feelings of safety and psychological distress. Implications for university policies and initiatives are discussed.

Keywords
  • Black/African American college students,
  • Campus safety,
  • physical safety,
  • psychological distress,
  • psychological safety,
  • suicidality,
  • victimization
Citation Information
Cara S. Maffini and Koryn C. Dillard. "Safe & sound? Perceptions of campus safety for Black college students" Race Ethnicity and Education Vol. 25 Iss. 1 (2022) p. 2 - 17
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/cara_maffini/36/