Black International Faculty in U.S. Academia: Reflections of a pharmacy educator

Abstract

Background

Black international faculty enhance diversity in pharmacy schools, are well suited to mentor international students, support cultural competence training for students, and may contribute substantially to research activities in schools of pharmacy. Understanding the experiences of black international faculty is critical to their recruitment and retention in pharmacy schools. Yet, there is very limited research about the experience of black international faculty in US pharmacy schools.

Purpose

This reflection paper seeks to highlight the unique challenges experienced by black international faculty in US pharmacy schools, drawing from both personal experiences and existing literature. This reflection and perspective study also provides recommendations to improve black international faculty representation and experience.

Discussion

Black international faculty experience structural, interpersonal, and internalized racism, as depicted by the Mechanism of Oppression Framework provided by Weinreb and Sun. US pharmacy schools need to take decisive actions to combat racism and improve the experience and representation of black international faculty. Regular faculty and student trainings on topics such as racism, implicit bias, stereotype threats, and impostor's syndrome should be mandated. A safe space should be provided for faculty to express their concerns about racism. Teaching ability should be assessed objectively by using reliable and validated measures of teaching effectiveness after reviewing recorded lectures or peer observations of teaching.