Hypersexualization of Black Girls in Catholic High Schools

Project Title

 Hypersexualization of Black Girls in Catholic High Schools

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

The constant hypersexualization of Black girls in American society - especially in learning settings -  regularly disrupts their education. I personally experienced disproportionate targeting by dress code enforcement at my Catholic all-girls high school in Louisville, Kentucky. Black girls whom faculty believed violated the dress code or classroom etiquette experienced significant backlash more than their white counterparts. Faculty in private Catholic all-girls high schools in the United States enforce a standard of purity that Black girls are often excluded from. Studies reveal that faculty responses derive a prolonged long history of objectification, criminalization, stereotypes, and over-sexualization of young Black girls are reinforced by racist ideologies. I approach my research from a sociological lens, and I deploy autoethnographic methodology to add a nuanced perspective by synthesizing my experiences with existing research. I hope to investigate how religious ideology impacts the expectations of modesty in school settings. Parochial academic spaces heighten pressure because religious schools fixate on image and modesty, and faculty view Black girls as “immodest.” Stereotypes promote an ongoing detriment to Black girls and inhibit their education due to faculty not investing in their futures or believing Black girls are incapable of academic success. 

Why is your research important?

This project is vital since many individuals are unaware of this issue, and I want to add to the discussions to reach even more people. I also think it’s essential since my research strives to help carve out a space for Black girls in conversations of disproportionate targeting, as they are often forgotten in those discussions.

What does the process of doing your research look like?

I spend time reading books and articles then I dissect what I read by taking notes, then for upcoming presentations I reorganize those notes to present.

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field? 

My research is contributing to the knowledge in the Africana Studies field surrounding the disproportionate targeting of Black girls’ and Black women’s bodies. 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I’ve presented my research at the 2024 Oberlin Summer Research Institute Research Symposium and I also presented again at the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Midwestern Regional Conference at Northwestern University. 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college? 

I experienced disproportionate targeting by getting dress coded at my all-girl Catholic high school. I didn’t have ways to openly speak out about the issues, and once I came to Oberlin I wanted to find outlets to voice those experiences to make more people aware of this ongoing issue. Undergraduate research was the perfect opportunity to spread this information while also learning even more about the implications this issue has on Black girls; it also allows me to engage with other scholars who have written about this issue.  

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

I enjoy being able to connect with peers and gain feedback while also working collaboratively on our research. I also enjoy being able to freely speak about my research. I’m enjoying being a part of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate research program because not only do I have the chance to share this research with others, but I also have the opportunity to continue this vital research in graduate school.

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

Working with Professor Meredith Gadsby developed my critical thinking of the research I’m engaging with. Professor Gadsby really helped me break down the multilayered topic. She gave me the skills to publicly present this research confidently by urging me to examine each layer of the hypersexualization of Black girls thoroughly. 

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

Conducting this research has caused me to be more confident when public speaking. Engaging with this specific research was very impactful as I could openly discuss the issue that for so long I was unable to openly speak about. So finally doing so strengthened the way I present on topics. Prior to conducting this research, I held back in class discussions, and presentations. But now, I don’t hesitate when openly sharing my expertise on topics as it’s important to demand change. 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

I would say just go for it, if you feel intimidated or overwhelmed, use that as a driving force to take a risk!