Racial discrimination and its effects on the well-being and university trajectory of Black students

Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of racial discrimination faced by Black and Brown university students and their impacts on academic trajectories and psychosocial well-being. It represents the second phase of a sequential research project, whose initial quantitative stage involved 829 students from five higher education institutions in the state of Ceará, Brazil. In this qualitative phase, conducted between January and September 2024, 37 students who had previously reported recurrent experiences of discrimination on the scale used were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually and analyzed using Descending Hierarchical Classification, supported by the IRAMUTEQ software. The analysis revealed five main categories: Social and political context; impact on mental health; individual responses to racism; discriminatory academic experiences; and recurrent family experiences. The findings highlight that racism and racial discrimination negatively affect students’ self-esteem, mental health, and academic persistence, generating feelings of insecurity, devaluation, and exclusion. Although students adopt coping strategies, there is a clear need for effective institutional support. The study underscores the importance of anti-racist policies in higher education that foster inclusive and equitable environments, ensuring not only access but also the dignified and healthy retention of Black students.