Avoiding racial bias in letter of reference writing
Got a great student or junior scholar who is a person of color (POC)? Planning to write a super
letter of reference? Don’t fall into these common traps rooted in unconscious bias.
Mention research &
publications
Letters of reference for POC can be
considerably shorter and at times do not
highlight publications or research quality,
compared to letters for white scholars. Make
sure you highlight critical research
accomplishments of POC scholars in every
letter!
Don’t stop now!
In addition to being shorter, letters for POC
are less likely to give ringing endorsements
and only include minimal assurance (they
can do the job’) or veiled praise (‘surprisingly
sharp’) rather than a ringing endorsement
(‘they are the best for the job’).
Emphasize accomplishments,
not effort
Letters of reference for POC can
overemphasize background and limitations
faced over accomplishments. Emphasize
accomplishments (their research ’skills’, or
career’). Do not use ‘grindstone’ adjectives
that describe effort alone, ex. ‘hard- working’
that associates with effort, but not ability.
We all share bias
It is important to remember that
unconscious racial bias isn’t just a white
people problem. Research shows that
people of all races and ethnicities are
susceptible to this common pitfall. This is a
problem for all of us - let’s solve it together!
Adjectives to use with caution:
caring, compassionate, hard-working,
conscientious, dependable, diligent,
dedicated, tactful, interpersonal, warm,
helpful
Keep it professional
Letters of reference for POC (especially
those from lower socioeconomic status,
international background, etc) are more
likely to mention personal information that
is not relevant for the application, or expose
details that the candidate might not want
exposed (DACA, first generation,
socioeconomic background, etc). Unless
otherwise requested by the candidate or
relevant for the award/application, stick to
professional accomplishments and make
sure you use formal titles and surnames.
Stay away from stereotypes
Although they describe positive traits,
adjectives like ‘diligent’, ‘dedicated’, ‘caring’
and ‘helpful’ or terms such as ‘activist’ are
frequently used in letters for POC and can
evoke racial stereotypes which can hurt a
candidate. And be careful not to invoke
these stereotypes (‘she is not angry or
intimidating’, or that ‘their performance is
above what you would expect from
someone with their background’ ).
Be careful raising doubt
We all want to write honest letters, but
negative or irrelevant comments, such as
‘challenging personality’, ‘unique
background’,’ or ‘ability to speak English’ are
common in letters for POC applicants. Let
the application speak for itself. Don’t add
doubt unless it is strictly necessary!
Adjectives to include:
successful, excellent, accomplished,
outstanding, skilled, knowledgeable,
insightful, resourceful. confident, ambitious,
independent, intellectual
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Asmeret Asefaw Berhe and Sora Kim - University of California, Merced
Based on Avoiding Gender Bias in letter of reference writing flyer from University of Arizona
https://tinyurl.com/y8vub7nd
