More Than an Asterisk:
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by C'Lee Long
The term “Asterisk Nation” was coined by the National Congress of American Indians to describe the relegation of Native American data to an asterisk point at the bottom of tables and graphs in research, population breakdowns, and other documents. “Asterisk Nation” is synonymous with “forgotten,” as Native Americans are terminally overlooked and underrepresented. Unfortunately, Native American students are woefully neglected due to this phenomenon. Higher education, a beacon for equity and diversity, does little to bridge the gap between Native American and other student populations on campuses.
A 2023 study found that Native Americans represent less than 1% of the student population on mainstream college campuses; i.e. non-tribal colleges and universities. At the graduate level, this percentage drops even more to 0.5%. The important question, as always, is why? Studies find that major obstacles to Native American student participation on mainstream college campuses is a lack of adequate support, a lack of financial support, and a lack of inclusion. Native American students are less able to find communities on mainstream campuses that accurately represent their cultural beliefs and systems. They are subjected to micro- and macro-aggressions from faculty and fellow students, notably in the classroom where history is often whitewashed and favors the victors. While there are scholarships available for Native American students, they are often difficult to track down. Little has been done to ease any of these burdens; therefore, Native American students are wary of mainstream campuses.
While there are tribal colleges and universities, they are few and far between. As less than 20% of Native American adults aged 25 and older have a bachelor's degree, it is apparent that these universities are not adequate for the needs of the Native American population. Some of this can be pinned on K-12 schools both on and off reservations, with Native Americans being disciplined at a far higher rate than their non-Native classmates at public schools. They also have a dropout rate twice the national average. Native Americans are less prepared to enter higher education; therefore, the issues must be addressed prior to the post-secondary level.
Native American education has a fraught history, beginning with the forced removal of children from their families and tribes. This story continues, albeit less violently, with the inaction and negligence of the educational system today.
A 2023 study found that Native Americans represent less than 1% of the student population on mainstream college campuses; i.e. non-tribal colleges and universities. At the graduate level, this percentage drops even more to 0.5%. The important question, as always, is why? Studies find that major obstacles to Native American student participation on mainstream college campuses is a lack of adequate support, a lack of financial support, and a lack of inclusion. Native American students are less able to find communities on mainstream campuses that accurately represent their cultural beliefs and systems. They are subjected to micro- and macro-aggressions from faculty and fellow students, notably in the classroom where history is often whitewashed and favors the victors. While there are scholarships available for Native American students, they are often difficult to track down. Little has been done to ease any of these burdens; therefore, Native American students are wary of mainstream campuses.
While there are tribal colleges and universities, they are few and far between. As less than 20% of Native American adults aged 25 and older have a bachelor's degree, it is apparent that these universities are not adequate for the needs of the Native American population. Some of this can be pinned on K-12 schools both on and off reservations, with Native Americans being disciplined at a far higher rate than their non-Native classmates at public schools. They also have a dropout rate twice the national average. Native Americans are less prepared to enter higher education; therefore, the issues must be addressed prior to the post-secondary level.
Native American education has a fraught history, beginning with the forced removal of children from their families and tribes. This story continues, albeit less violently, with the inaction and negligence of the educational system today.
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