REVELATIONS ON RACISM IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Racism, as a social phenomenon, perpetuates structural inequalities that are difficult to overcome. In the university environment, it directly impacts critical aspects such as equity and interculturality, to the detriment of students' psychological and academic well-being. The purpose of this study was to reveal the expressions of racism present in an Ecuadorian public university and to identify strategies for its eradication. The research approach was qualitative, employing a case study and focus group techniques to promote critical discussion of university students' experiences and perceptions regarding racism. The non-probabilistic, deliberate sample comprised 93 students of diverse ethnicities enrolled in undergraduate courses at the National University of Chimborazo. The findings revealed the existence of racist manifestations expressed through discriminatory behavior, exclusion, and marginalization; the presence of stereotypes and prejudices that disqualify students from minority groups; and linguistic racism. The proposed strategies to eradicate racism include fostering a change in mindset, strengthening values for intercultural coexistence, creating spaces for interaction, dialogue, and integration, raising awareness about the importance of cultural-ethnic diversity, denouncing racist behavior, and promoting the democratization and interculturalization of the institution.