Member-only story
RACE. GENDER. EDUCATION
Why Black Men Face So Many Barriers to a College Education
Some assign personal blame and overlook systemic barriers
The saying, “college isn’t for everybody,” is popular in American society. It often highlights alternative career paths like trade schools, certifications, and mentorship programs. But, this phrase can be problematic given the barriers many face. Stating, “college isn’t for everyone,” in this context may be dismissive or racist. Because it implies that some groups are less deserving of academic opportunities, as it stands, Black students are more likely to attend underfunded primary schools. And face disciplinary actions more frequently than their White peers. This deprives them of an equal opportunity to succeed. And position themselves as prime candidates for college. Beyond this racial injustice, another disparity exists. Black men are the group least likely to earn a college degree in America. This data point has caused quite the stir in online discussions.
Some blamed the gender gap in college degree attainment on poor personal decisions. They did so by using Black women’s high degree completion rate as a benchmark. They argued that their success ruled out the possibility of structural barriers. Yet, research suggests the reasons for this gender gap are…
