Changing perceptions in the justification of the use of the “N” word through community service work experiences: Offensive comments or terms of endearment?

The current study explored how students (N = 181) enrolled in different levels of higher education perceive the appropriateness in the use of the “N” word today. We hypothesized that ethnic minority students who were actively involved in a community service project designed to improve a community college would be more likely to reject the use of the “N” word than those students who were not involved in a community service project. Results indicate significant differences exist among educational levels and the perception of the justification of the use of the “N” word, t (83) = 4.49, p < .0001. Participants enrolled in higher education (graduate level) and community service activities were more likely to reject the use of the “N” word.