White Noise: Challenging Beliefs About Race On Campus

Many conversations about race in higher education begin with the assumption that students simply need more exposure to diversity or education about racism. But what if white students arrive on campus having already spent years learning powerful lessons about race through their families, schools, neighborhoods, and everyday experiences? Drawing on years of qualitative research, Drs. Zak Foste and Lauren Irwin challenge this “Empty Vessel Hypothesis,” examining how colleges and universities can reproduce, rather than disrupt, the racial understandings students bring with them. Their work invites us to rethink how students learn about race—and the role institutions play in reinforcing or challenging those lessons. 0:00 Snippet: The Empty Vessel Hypothesis 1:01 Overview & Welcome 3:44 Guest Introductions 6:48 White Students Aren't Empty Vessels 18:31 How Campuses Reproduce Segregation 26:38 Curiosity, Role Modeling, and the Cost of Silence 37:13 The Myth of "Race-Neutral" Campus Policies 45:20 Dreaming: Campuses 5 to 10 Years From Now 52:20 Thinking Now and Connecting 55:43 Outro & Sponsor Recognition _______________________ Student Affairs NOW is the leading podcast and online learning community for professionals working in, alongside, or adjacent to higher education and student affairs. Whether you're looking for fresh ideas, inspiring conversations, or meaningful connections, our weekly episodes aim to make a contribution to the field while being restorative to the profession. 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday! Join the conversation at studentaffairsnow.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/StudentAffairsNow for the latest episodes, resources, and updates delivered straight to your inbox. 💡 Have a topic idea or want to suggest a guest? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at host@studentaffairsnow.com. Subscribe to never miss an episode!