Racismo no Brasil: Percepções de Discriminação Racial em Estudantes Universitários

Abstract

Introduction: The black population has historically faced discrimination and violence, perpetuating inequalities in many spaces, especially educational ones. Even with the constitutional advances that facilitated the inclusion of black and brown people in Higher Education Institutions, it is noted that these individuals continue to face racial aggression, directly affecting their mental health. Objective: Investigate how experiences of racial discrimination impact students in higher education institutions. Methods: This is an exploratory, descriptive study with cross-sectional analysis, using quantitative methods. Data collection took place between August and December 2023, virtually and in person, with 751 students from five Higher Education Institutions. Results: The study revealed an alarming prevalence of personal discrimination among black students, highlighting structural racism. The majority of participants were female (52.5%), with a predominance of those aged 20 to 23 years. Racial diversity included 58.5% mixed race, 27.8% white and 12.4% black. Economic inequalities were also notable, with 22.4% of participants living on less than the minimum wage. It was noted that white people perceive discrimination a little more (3.41) against black people, compared to brown people (3.20) and black people (3.29). Additionally, black individuals reported feeling personal discrimination more frequently (2.80). Conclusion: The application of the Racial Discrimination Scale revealed a significant prevalence of discrimination among black students. In this sense, it is essential to implement inclusive policies and anti-racist education programs to promote a more inclusive academic environment.