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RACISM
Why Claim to Value Merit But Reject Qualified Black People
How this principle disguises efforts to discriminate
There's a mythology deep in the heart of American society. That if you work hard, you will succeed no matter your race, color, or creed. It's a familiar narrative but paints a misleading portrait of our society. One factor that dispels this notion is the high rejection rate of qualified Black people. White applicants receive approximately 50% more callbacks than "similarly qualified non-White applicants." This wouldn't be the case if our society truly valued merit above all else. It's clear that race matters and impacts the opportunities we receive in life. Even if many Americans are shying away from the topic. Researchers found "no change" in levels of discrimination against African Americans since 1989. Their findings documented the" striking persistence of racial discrimination in US labor markets." Much of the racial progress leaders hoped for during the 1960s and 70s has not come to pass. And much like a package without a tracking number, we're unsure if it will ever arrive.
The uncomfortable truth is that our nation has a history of rewarding whiteness. And on the flip side, punishing people who do not fit that description. This was often done by depriving them of opportunities. In 1959, Marlon Gerald Hood, a Black man, applied to Emory University School of Medicine. Yet, L.L. Clegg, the Director of Admissions at the time, did not consider his application based on his merits. Having good grades and stellar recommendation letters was not enough to overcome prejudice. His enrollment in Clark Atlanta University and his specialization in health were not considered. Or any extracurricular activities. Despite meeting the qualifications for the program, he received a rejection letter. They wrote, "I am sorry I must write that we are not authorized to consider for admission a member of the Negro race." In 2021, Emory University apologized to Dr. Hood sixty-two years after he applied. And yet, the sting of rejection was more than a personal slight. But rather evidence of a broader problem. Rejection letters of this nature were common. They are a reminder of the nation's failure to treat its citizens equally. Far too often, well-qualified Black people faced rejection.
