The Impact of Racism and Ethnic Discrimination on Students\u27 Educational Experiences

This study explored how occupational therapy students’ perceptions of racism and ethnic discrimination impacted their educational experiences. Participants included 226 students ages 18-60 years old enrolled in occupational therapy entry-level, post-professional, or assistant programs throughout the United States. Students completed an anonymous web-based survey that included a demographic questionnaire, the Brief Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire-Community Version (PEDQ-CV), and open-ended survey questions. Results found that students’ educational performance were negatively impacted by their experiences with racism and ethnic discrimination. While students reported to have experienced racism or ethnic discrimination within the classroom and fieldwork settings, classroom conversations and content related to topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism were limited. Based on the study’s findings, schools are encouraged to increase these conversations and implement supportive resources for students who have experienced racism and ethnic discrimination. Implications for improved occupational therapy educational experiences for students included recommendations to: a) acquire additional education in DEI-related subjects; b) continue to incorporate more conversations related to topics of DEI, racism, and ethnic discrimination in the classroom and fieldwork settings; c) provide simulated or real-life hands-on opportunities and experiences to work with people of color within the community; d) teach students how to appropriately behave and respond to racism and ethnic discriminatory situations; e) create program curriculums that focus on DEI and anti-racism content; f) host support groups with diverse people to encourage mentorship between students, practitioners, and community members; and g) diversify course content to include images, perspectives, and stories of people of color