Renn, K. A. (2011). Biracial and multiracial college student development. In M. J. Cuyjet, M. Howard-Hamilton, & D. L. Cooper (Eds.), Multiculturalism on campus: Theory, models, and practices for understanding diversity and creating inclusion (pp. 191-212). Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
“Biracial and multiracial students—individuals who have parents from more than one racial group—are a growing presence on college campuses. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the number of biracial or multiracial college students will increase (Lopez, 2003). Evidence suggests that the development of racial identity among college students who are biracial or multiracial is in some ways similar to that of other students of color but may differ somewhat from racial identity development among their monoracial (i.e., having parents from only one racial group) peers (Renn, 2004; Rockquemore & Brunsma, 2002; Wallace, 2001). How these students make sense of their own racial identities in the context of increasingly diverse college campuses is an important matter for research and professional practice.
This chapter addresses the status and experiences of biracial and multiracial students in U.S. postsecondary education, presents models that describe their identity development, and offers suggestions for higher education professionals working with these students. It concludes with learning activities and discussion questions related to understanding and working with multiracial college students.” (p. 191)