Chemistry and Racism: A Special Topics Course for Students Taking General Chemistry at Barnard College in Fall 2020

• Published in: Journal of chemical education Vol. 99; no. 1; pp. 148 - 153
• Main Authors: Babb, Lauren, Austin, Rachel Narehood
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Easton American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc 11.01.2022; Division of Chemical Education, Inc; American Chemical Society
• Subjects: African Americans; Attitudes; Chemistry; College Students; Colleges & universities; Discrimination; Discussion; Racial Discrimination; Racism; Seminars; Single Sex Colleges; Student Attitudes; Students; Systemic racism; New York (New York); First-Year Undergraduate/General; Curriculum; Inquiry-Based/Discovery Learning; Cultural Relevance; Student-Centered Learning; Minorities in Chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00325

To explore the myriad ways in which systemic racism diminishes chemistry, and to recommend changes to our home department, a seminar-style course was created that provided a structured venue in which to collaborate with students. The course was created by the department chair, after reflecting on the Black Lives Matter message that it was time for white people to do some of the work to educate others about systemic racism. This relatively low stakes course (only one credit, pass/fail grading mode) successfully created a space for intense conversation, reflection, increased understanding of some of the aspects of racism in chemistry, as well as the impetus for institutional change. A description of the course, along with student opinions and cofacilitator reflections, is presented.