Date of Award

4-21-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Greg Barrett

Abstract

To examine the undergraduate experiences and perceptions of students who self-identify as LGBTQ during their matriculation at two church-affiliated historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), this cross-comparison qualitative case study sought the following: 1) to determine common experiences that positively and/or negatively shaped their college choice decisions, 2) to better understand LGBTQ students’ college choices and decisions, and 3) to better understand the climate and culture of the participating institutions and to help identify ways in which those institutions could work to be more inclusive of its LGBTQ students. Data for the study were collected through individual interviews with each participant. The interviews were transcribed and studied for emerging themes, which included: Perceptions and Experiences, Issues Encountered at HBCUs, and Relationships and Identity of LGBTQ Students. Each major theme had a series of sub-themes. Participants were recruited via purposeful and snowball sampling. All participants reported overall that their perception and experience were positive but not devoid of judgement and that religion did not play a role in their decision to attend their church-affiliated HBCU. However, Greek life exclusion, discrimination in the residence halls, and the lack of confidentiality and privacy were the emerging issues referenced by the participants. Despite these concerns, the participants never brought up the issue of safety and never desired to leave their college. The researcher concluded the study by providing a few implications for practice and policy recommendations for both colleges in order to create an inclusive and open environment for the LGBTQ students on their campuses.

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