Date of Conferral

9-7-2026

Date of Award

September 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Geneva Gray

Abstract

While school counselors play a pivotal role in promoting equity and inclusion within educational institutions, they may experience systemic challenges themselves, particularly in predominantly White professional environments. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of Black American school counselors who experienced racial discrimination in the workplace and how they made meaning of those experiences. The research addressed the lived experiences of Black American school counselors who experienced racial discrimination in the workplace and how they make meaning of those experiences. The study was grounded in hermeneutic phenomenology and critical race theory. Six Black American school counselors with at least five (5) years of K–12 school counseling experience participated in semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with the assistance of Max Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA). Findings revealed that participants experienced racial discrimination through microaggressions and overt discriminatory behaviors, with school culture and systemic inequities influencing their workplace experiences. Participants described emotional and professional impacts while identifying self-care, advocacy, supportive relationships, and faith as strategies for coping and resilience. The findings may contribute to positive social change by increasing awareness of the experiences of Black American school counselors and informing counselor educators, school leaders, and educational systems about the need for culturally affirming practices, equitable workplace environments, and stronger systems of support.

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