A majority of college students recognize that American offices are not free of racism. And students’ experiences with racism in the workplace highlight that Black job seekers experience work-related racism from a young age.
A new survey of 2,500 undergraduates finds that almost two-thirds (66%) say racism is a serious problem in corporate America, while 20% say it is a moderate problem. But there is a wide gap between Black and white students’ views. While 89% of Black students say racism is a serious problem, just 57% of white students agree.
More than half (54%) of Black students say they have felt discriminated against because of their race while applying or interviewing for a job. By comparison, one-third (33%) of Asian students, 26% of Hispanic students, and 6% of white students say the same.
More Than Half of Black Students Have Felt Discriminated Against During the Job Search
Have you ever felt you were discriminated against while applying or interviewing for a job or internship because of your race?
Black students are also more likely than other students of color to experience subtle, everyday acts of bias at work. One-quarter (25%) of students overall say they have personally experienced microaggressions at work because of their race. Two-thirds (67%) of Black students have, compared to 40% of Hispanic, 39% of Asian, and 8% of white students.
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Methodology: This survey was designed and conducted by College Pulse. Interviews were conducted among a sample of 2,500 full-time and part-time students attending four-year colleges or universities in the U.S. who are part of College Pulse’s American College Student Panel.
