The study, which looked at data from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2021, found that while the percentage of black and Hispanic faculty increased slightly, their share in the broader workforce, particularly among workers with advanced degrees and professional occupations, increased slightly. It turns out that the country is still lagging behind. .
Written by Stacey M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A new study commissioned by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveals trends in the representation of Black and Hispanic faculty in higher education institutions. . Blacks and Hispanics remain significantly underrepresented among university faculty, even though their numbers have increased slightly over the past two decades.
The study, which looked at data from fiscal year 2003 to fiscal year 2021, found that while the percentage of black and Hispanic faculty increased slightly, their share in the broader workforce, particularly among workers with advanced degrees and professional occupations, increased slightly. It turns out that the country is still lagging behind. . Additionally, this study highlights the stark disparity between the racial and ethnic composition of the faculty and the racial and ethnic composition of the student body, illustrating a systemic problem in higher education.
“Addressing the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic faculty is not only a diversity issue, but also impacts the overall quality of education and student outcomes,” the study authors wrote. . “It is imperative that we hold institutions accountable for promoting an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our society.”
The survey identified handling employment discrimination complaints as one of the major barriers. Both current and prospective teachers may file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Education. However, the investigation found that the Department of Education continues to be slow in filing complaints with the EEOC.
In fiscal year 2022 alone, the Department of Education processed and referred 99 complaints alleging employment discrimination at universities, with an average referral time of 71 days, significantly longer than the required 30 days. Such delays not only prolong the resolution process but also perpetuate instances of discrimination and inequality within academia.
Additionally, the investigation revealed deficiencies in the EEOC's tracking and handling of complaint inquiries. Despite receiving complaints referred from the Department of Education, this study concludes that consistent procedures are needed for the EEOC to receive and process these referrals in a timely manner. The lack of accountability poses a risk of oversight and could further delay responses to complaints of discrimination, the authors said.
As a result of this investigation, GAO issued recommendations aimed at increasing accountability and efficiency in handling discrimination complaints. Scott called on both the Department of Education and the EEOC to take swift action to address the systemic disparities and processing delays highlighted in the investigation.
“The good news is that faculty diversity has improved over the past 20 years. The bad news is that faculty diversity continues to be unrepresentative of the students they teach,” Scott said.
According to the study authors, historically black colleges and universities, among other minority-serving institutions, are more likely to prepare scholars of color for tenure-track positions, which are more secure than part-time or part-time positions. He has been successful in getting promotions. The authors noted that these schools often prioritize educating students of color in faculty hiring and professional development.
GAO research suggests that increasing mentorship, conducting retention surveys, and providing leadership opportunities are effective strategies to increase retention rates for faculty of color. The study also found that a positive campus environment influenced teachers' decisions to stay at their schools.
A GAO investigation found that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Education were both inefficient in responding to allegations of discrimination at universities. Department of Education regulations require complaints to be submitted to her EEOC within 30 days. However, the average time it took him to get a referral was around 71 days.
“It is incumbent upon federal agencies to prioritize timely and thorough investigations of discrimination complaints as we strive to create a more equitable educational environment,” the authors concluded. “Our nation’s colleges and universities must be bastions of diversity and inclusion, and addressing the underrepresentation of minority faculty is an important step toward achieving that goal.”
