Is the race and ethnic division of students at the University of Illinois' Illini Union, specifically African Americans, a form of self segregation or apart of an undefined tradition? Daniel Williams Educational Policy Studies December 2, 2004 Race, Ethnicity and Ethnography: A Study of the University

Sub Questions What does the space mean to different people? What leads to self-segregation, according to students? What role, if any, does project 500 play in self segregation? Does UI culture promote segregation?

Research Plan 5-component methodology Archival Research Ethnographic (mapping space) Theory Testing Coded Information/Interdisciplinary Interviews/ Self-reflection  Current Students  Alumni

Introduction This project will examine a space at the university that divides the students by race and ethnicity-the South Patio of the Illini Union. The goal is to determine the historical and social aspects of the self division, and decipher whether the division hurts race relations on campus in a broader respect; and whether the division is self supported or imposed upon that particular group by the UI culture. I will also look at historical models as theories of explanation.

History of the University African American Students

History of the University Culture of the University

Mapping Spaces Illini Union As the students shuffle back and fourth from building to building I refocus my attention on the Illini Union. As I move closer to the building to observe the students, there is an apparent division of students, not by class but race. Nearest to the left entrance of the building a huge group of African Americans are gathered around and pass the time. Less than twenty feet away from the African American group of students sits a large group of Latina/o students as the socialize with one another. To the far right of both groups there was a congregation of the highest represented minorities on campus, Asian Americans.

Student Perspectives Would you consider this section of the quad to be segregated? If so why do you believe that is? “Yes, self segregated” “It is segregated because people do not want to leave their comfort zone” “No, but it would seem that way because we are outnumbered” “If 10 minorities are together we are segregating ourselves, but that is not true for white people” “Its not segregated, look at the rest of the quad, they are segregating themselves from us”

Project 500 Quick Facts about Black and Latino Students to UI 1968, the height of debate over equal access in education Students recruited freshmen instead of OAR Student and Community collaboration Project 500 was the first major attempt by the University of Illinois to provide equal educational opportunity for the families of children in the state of Illinois and elsewhere across the United States. Although the program was being planned on a smaller scale as a result of the Higher Education Act of 1965, it became much larger in scope following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. roject500/description.html

Self-Segregation I Definition Segregating into groups, usually racial or class, from another group that inhabits the same area.

Self Segregation II Housing Classes Social Activities Communication Work Other

Cultural Practices Assessing how much culture plays in segregation Stereotyping and issues associated with working in a multiracial society Differences = Misconceptions “Where I come from”

Preliminary Findings Complex set of ideas about how the Illini Union became separated Historical Connection would require more research of the topic Self segregation is a problem according to the students responses The Illini Union segregation is somewhat reflective of a larger problem African American Students need a sense of home with people of like cultures The University’s culture promotes some of the segregating activities

Conclusion While there are many facets that contribute to self segregation, students believe the space (Illini Union), as I assumed, was indirectly a result of larger issues that is historically tied to the culture of the university and African American students rather than a historical event.