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

Abstract

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.