Perceptions of Racism Among Graduate Students of Color in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Education

Background:

• Audiology (AUD) and speech-language pathology (SLP) fields are predominantly White and operate within systemic racism.
• Systemic racism disproportionately affects students and professionals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions and experiences of systemic racism among BIPOC graduate students in AUD and SLP.
• To inform and promote antiracism initiatives within these professional fields.

Main Methods:

• A national web-based survey was administered to 46 BIPOC graduate students.
• The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions on systemic racism's personal, professional, and client-related impacts.
• Data were analyzed for the overall BIPOC sample and disaggregated by racial-ethnic groups (Asian, Black, Latino/a).

Main Results:

• A majority of BIPOC students perceived systemic racism and White privilege within AUD and SLP.
• Qualitative themes included reduced access to education and clinical services, appearance-based and overt discrimination, and underrepresentation leading to feelings of otherness.
• Some differences in response patterns were observed across racial-ethnic groups.

Conclusions:

• Findings from BIPOC graduate students corroborate existing reports of systemic racism in AUD and SLP.
• Systemic changes are crucial to support students, professionals, and clients of color in these fields.