Date of Award

Winter 3-21-2026

Document Type

Dissertation in Practice

Degree Name

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Organizational Unit

Morgridge College of Education, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

First Advisor

Kristina Hesbol

Second Advisor

Erin Anderson

Third Advisor

Doris Candelarie

Fourth Advisor

Natalie Lewis

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Critical Dimensions of Whiteness Model (CDWM), Critical self-examination, Unmarked norm, Dismantling whiteness, Equity practice, Racial justice, Whiteness

Abstract

This action research examines whether and how whiteness is “weaponized” by a P-12 educational leader, the impact whiteness has on their identities, and whether engagement with Critical Whiteness Studies (CWS) will increase pro-equity behaviors. The research employs a layered mixed-methods approach, and a deductive analysis triangulation plan framed by the Critical Dimensions of Whiteness Model (CDWM). This N-of-1 case study included a four-phase intervention workshop series and one post interview. The findings identify how one educational leader engaged in the selfweaponization of whiteness. The findings identify that CWS supported by the CDWM is a disruptive but healing path to awareness and is effective for identifying how whiteness is weaponized.

Copyright Date

3-2026

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

LeRita Yvette Cavness

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

190 pgs

File Size

1.3 MB

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