"History Repeating Itself:" The Impact of Campus Policy and Southern History on Racial Climate and Belonging Among Black Students at a Southern Public University

This thesis examines how Southern historical legacies and contemporary university policies shape the racial climate and sense of belonging for Black undergraduate students at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Although research on racial climate at PWIs has expanded over the last two decades, most studies tend to focus on institutions in the North or Midwest and often do not incorporate the distinct racial histories embedded in Southern campuses, with its histories shaped by slavery, Jim Crow segregation, and enduring regional narratives about race. The recent national rollback of affirmative action and the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives further complicate the campus environment and may differentially impact Black students at Southern PWIs. Using a qualitative research design, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with Black undergraduate students to explore how institutional decisions, campus racial climate, and historical context influence students’ daily experiences and sense of belonging. Findings revealed that Black students experience racial climate as a multidimensional process shaped by historical legacies, institutional policies, and everyday interactions. Participants describe this climate as subtle yet persistent, often characterized by microaggressions, social separation, and declining representation which collectively contribute to a sense of conditional belonging being rooted in community spaces. These findings suggest that improving campus climate requires more than increasing access; institutions must actively address historical legacies, strengthen representation, and invest in culturally affirming spaces that support Black students beyond enrollment.