“Prove Yourself”: Exploring Epistemological Values in Mathematics Department Support and Oppression of Black Women Faculty

Author:
R. Taylor McNeill Vanderbilt University

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Aneva Jefferson Vanderbilt University

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Volume/Issue:
Volume 55: Issue 1
Page(s):
31–50
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5951/jresematheduc-2022-0102
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Keywords:
Black women; Mathematics faculty; Equity; Epistemology

Black women faculty members face challenges in higher education, including limited identity-affirming mentorship and under-­recognition of their scholarship. However, little is known about their experiences in mathematics departments, where Black women are more severely underrepresented and disciplinary ideologies of neutrality mask social oppression. We interrogate the role of mathematics epistemological values (MEVs) in shaping departmental racialized–gendered oppression experienced by six Black women. Our findings illustrate that (a) quantification practices underpinning faculty evaluation disregard Black women’s achievements; and (b) notions of proving as a solitary endeavor justify neglecting Black women’s faculty development. We highlight departmental practices that support Black women faculty members, reframe MEVs to promote equity, and discuss implications for mathematics faculty and administrators working to advance equity.

Footnotes

Special thanks to Nicole Joseph and Micaela Harris, who inspired this work, and to Luis Leyva, who offered invaluable guidance and support throughout the process.

Contributor Notes

R. Taylor McNeill, Department of Teaching & Learning, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203; reagin.t.mcneill@vanderbilt.edu

Aneva Jefferson, Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203; aneva.m.jefferson@vanderbilt.edu

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Copyright:
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc. All rights reserved. 2024
Page Count:
20
Article Category:
Research Article
Received:
16 Jun 2022
Accepted:
15 Nov 2022
Print Publication Date:
01 Jan 2024
Online Publication Date:
Jan 2024
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