Research that explored the experiences of White administrators at Christian institutions of higher education within the United States who have demonstrated a commitment to social justice.

1. Examining the Intersection
of Christianity and Social
Justice Advocacy on Faith-
Based Institutions
Allison Ash, Associate Dean of Student
Care and Services, Wheaton College
Joe Slavens, Director of Student Life,
Simpson University
ACSD 2015
Chicago, IL

2. Roadmap
 Introduction
 The Research
 Discussion and Exercises
 Implications
 Questions

3. Purpose
To explore the experiences of White
administrators at Christian institutions of higher
education within the United States who have
demonstrated a commitment to social justice.

4. Literature
 Whiteness
 Christian higher education
 Social Justice Alliances
 Research Gap

5. Research Question
“What characterizes the experiences of White
administrators from Christian institutions of
higher education within the United States who
choose to engage in social justice programs,
activities, and initiatives?”

6. Social Justice
To move “beyond mere appreciation or
celebration into active efforts to examine and
dismantle oppressive structures and policies and
move toward a more equitable vision for the
institution and its members” (Thompson,
Hardee, & Lane, 2011, p. 112).

7. Methods
 Narrative
 Interviews
 Participants
 Analysis

8. Findings
 Centrality of Theology to Social Justice
 Aspirations for and Frustrations with Christian Higher
Education
 Cycle of Critical Consciousness (Model)
 Awareness and Engagement Continuum (Model)

9. Cycle of Critical Consciousness

11. Qualifiers
 Location of participants
 Race focus
 Nomination and self-selection
 Individual change vs. institutional change

12. Contact
 Allison: aash12@apu.edu
 Joe: jslavens09@apu.edu