The impact of "colorblind" ideologies on students of color: Intergroup relations at a predominantly White university

This article examines some post-admissions issues related to collegiate aff irmative action. Specifically, it focuses on the experiences and interactio ns of students of color with their White peers on predominantly White colle ge campuses. Focus group interviews with African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American students were conducted to explore and analyz e student intergroup relations. The data reveal White student behaviors tha t often have a negative impact on students of color, especially patterns of White "colorblindness" and color consciousness, along with racial or ethni c stereotyping. They suggest that problematic intergroup peer relations on college campuses can be best understood by placing them within the larger o rganizational and social contexts that frame and support them.