Faculty of Color Unmask Color-Blind Ideology in the Community College Faculty Search Process

This qualitative study explored the systemic barriers to hiring faculty of color in the community college. A phenomenological design was used to examine the community college full-time faculty search process from the perspective of 10 full-time faculty of color who actively participate in racial justice advocacy. The participants represented five community college districts throughout California and have participated on multiple full-time faculty search committees. This study utilized critical race theory as a guiding framework. An analysis of the participants’ interviews identified that color-blind ideology is pervasive, despite institutional commitment to diversity and nondiscriminatory laws. The leadership and agency of faculty of color strategically challenged the dominant ideology to advocate the hiring faculty of color. Actionable recommendations are presented to combat color-blind ideology in hiring policies and practices at the national, state, and local levels.