“This Is for and About Black People”: Women of Color STEM Faculty Managing Epistemic Exclusion

• In Event: Women Navigating Educational Leadership

Abstract

This study examines how women of color (WOC) STEM faculty experience and cope with epistemic exclusion, specifically how it devalues their research and hinders their career progression. WOC are still underrepresented, 3% of tenured positions, despite gains in overall representation. They face systemic biases, marginalization, and academic bullying. Semi-structured interviews with 21 WOC STEM faculty (i.e., Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian American, Asian Pacific Islanders) at research universities reveal challenges in hiring, publishing, and tenure and promotion. Participants found ways to cope by being assertive, seeking external mentors, and building support networks. The findings underscore the need for inclusive evaluation practices and supportive academic environments to prevent attrition and foster diverse scholarship, research, mentoring, and teaching.

Authors

• Tonisha B. Lane, Virginia Tech

• O'Juan D. Edwards, Florida A&M University

• Faika Jan, Virginia Tech

• Deirdre Cobb-Roberts, University of South Florida

• Saundra Johnson Austin, University of South Florida

• Sylvia Thomas, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Helena Mariella-Walrond, Bethune-Cookman University

• Michelle Bradham-Cousar, Florida International University