Chemistry and Racism: A Special Topics Course for Students Taking General Chemistry at Barnard College in Fall 2020

Science education research has shown that systemic racism, microaggressions, and unwelcoming or unsupportive climates disproportionally impact the ability of some individuals to flourish in chemistry. In order to help students taking general chemistry learn about the impact of systemic racism in chemistry and to provide them with a venue to discuss this issue, a special seminar-style course was created. This relatively low intensity course successfully created a space for intense conversation, reflection, increased understanding of some of the aspects of racism in chemistry, and the impetus for institutional change. A description of the course, along with student opinions, and co-facilitator reflections, are presented.