The Reimaging of Criminal Justice Education: A Preliminary Study of Students' Classroom Experiences and Perceptions of Racial Justice

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.