Fear of victimisation among LGBTQ+ students at Latine-focused institutions v. predominately white institutions: an examination across sexuality, gender identity, and ethnoracial identity

Despite the rise of the US Latine population and the increasing growth of Latine-focused institutions (LFIs), the experiences of students from intersectional and varied backgrounds and identities, even within the Latine community, attending LFIs is basically unknown. Given this expansive gap in the literature, this study applies an intersectional lens to the varied experiences across ethnoracial identity, gender identity, and sexuality between LFIs and predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Specifically, this study assesses if students' fear of victimisation not only differs across contexts (e.g. on campus or off and during the day versus at night), but if those holding more marginalised and vulnerable identities experience fear differently, particularly between LFIs and PWIs. Results suggest extensive varied experiences and associations between groups, contexts, and institutions. The assessment of fear of victimisation is important given the cultural and political threats faced by many Latine students. As LFIs are the fastest growing minority-serving institutions in the US, it is essential research continues to explore and understand the complexities of these institutions and their students. Implications as well as suggestions for research and policy are discussed.