Cultural Barometer
Every campus has its own rhythm that underscores the mood of the overall college experience. Cultural interactions can heighten the cadence and may result in racial tension and unrest. Whether local (e.g., racially charged incidents in classrooms) or global, such as the 2016 presidential election, these events can shift the pulse and alter narratives within the university setting. The term “cultural barometer” is often used to describe the mood, and in this chapter, the five interviewees plus additional voices provide personal perspectives on campus temperature in terms of race, sexual identity, disability, student involvement, international students' experiences, and positive steps taken to address these phenomena during their time at the university.