Abstract

Race-related issues in criminal justice are often challenging topics to discuss in the classroom because of their sensitivity and complexity. The growing political polarization in the American public and its impact on college students has made the challenges more daunting in higher education. Using an online survey of criminal justice students, this study seeks to understand racial differences in students’ classroom experiences and perceptions of racial justice. Findings suggest that students of color are significantly more likely than their White peers to experience differential treatment in the classroom, express professors’ insensitivity to race-related issues, and indicate stereotypes of people of color in required readings. Non-White students are also more likely than White students to point out Blacks’ vulnerability in racial profiling and criminal punishment. We discuss the implications of these findings and provide suggestions for improving criminal justice education.

摘要

由于其敏感性和复杂性，刑事司法中与种族相关的问题通常是课堂讨论的具有挑战性的话题。美国公众日益加剧的政治两极分化及其对大学生的影响使高等教育面临的挑战更加艰巨。通过对刑事司法学生的在线调查，本研究旨在了解学生课堂体验和种族正义观念中的种族差异。调查结果表明，有色人种的学生比他们的白人同龄人更有可能在课堂上经历不同的待遇，表达教授对种族相关问题的不敏感，并在必读中指出有色人种的刻板印象。非白人学生也比白人学生更有可能指出黑人在种族定性和刑事处罚方面的脆弱性。我们讨论了这些发现的含义，并为改善刑事司法教育提供了建议。