A Web of Barriers Spun from White Supremacy: Assessing How Environmental Education Providers Create Access in Boulder County, Colorado

Wagner, Lawrence

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

A Web of Barriers Spun from White Supremacy: Assessing How Environmental Education Providers Create Access in Boulder County, Colorado Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/2v23vv84x

Abstract

People belonging to racialized groups access Environmental Education (EE) at lower rates than White people. In testing theories seeking to explain this participation difference, some previous research was inconclusive, while others found White Supremacy at the root of barriers to access. Barriers determined from past surveys of racialized communities fall into one of four categories: Language and Communication, Practical, Program Culture, and Familiarity and Outreach. I draw upon the same surveys to determine what can be done to eliminate these barriers. From this, I created an assessment that uses websites of EE providers to determine how providers are working to eliminate barriers. Then, I use this assessment on the websites of nine EE providers associated with the E Movement in Boulder County, Colorado. I found that while all of the providers have barriers that still need to be addressed, many of them have created programs and initiatives that help reduce barriers to access, especially in the past decade. Expanded translation services, availability of bilingual instruction, improved transportation access, incorporation of justice topics, ability to make programs relevant to participants, and availability of parent opportunities are ways that most providers can eliminate existing barriers. Finally, recognizing the role of White Supremacy in the interconnected nature of both barriers and solutions is essential in working to reimagine a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive EE.

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