ABSTRACT
This study contributes to the scholarship concerning the Sikh diaspora by critically examining the experiences of Punjabi Sikh American students in a Northern California community college to identify factors inhibiting or promoting their progress and success. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of Sikh college students. Findings demonstrate that microaggressions against Sikh students represent a significant negative factor inhibiting their academic progress. Sikh students routinely experience discrimination from instructors, counselors, and other students. Their parents, siblings, and Sikh friends are critical sources of academic support. A strong sense of familial and cultural belonging is an important positive factor promoting their progress and success.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.