Fact Check: In April, Terrell published research showing that Black people received significantly less jobs in the petrochemical industry than white people in Louisiana despite having similar levels of training and education.

Fact Check: "In April, Terrell published research showing that Black people received significantly less jobs in the petrochemical industry than white people in Louisiana despite having similar levels of training and education."

What We Know

In April 2025, a study led by Kimberly Terrell from Tulane University revealed significant racial disparities in employment within the petrochemical industry in Louisiana. The research indicated that Black individuals were underrepresented in both high- and low-paying jobs, despite having similar levels of training and education compared to their white counterparts (source-3). Specifically, while Black residents made up 41% of the working-age population, they held only 21% of higher-paying jobs and about 33% of lower-paying jobs in the petrochemical sector (source-4). The study utilized data from reputable sources including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reinforcing its credibility (source-3).

Analysis

The findings from Terrell's study are corroborated by multiple sources, indicating a consistent pattern of racial inequity in the petrochemical workforce. For instance, the study highlighted that in Louisiana, Black individuals were not only underrepresented in high-paying jobs but also in lower-paying positions, which is contrary to trends observed in other states like Texas, where people of color were overrepresented in lower-paying jobs (source-4).

The reliability of the study is further supported by its peer-reviewed publication in the journal Ecological Economics (source-1). Critics from the chemical industry have challenged the study's conclusions, arguing that it presents an incomplete picture and citing workforce development initiatives as evidence of their commitment to equity (source-3). However, the study itself argues that the educational and training disparities are not the primary factors behind the underrepresentation of Black workers (source-3).

Conclusion

The claim that Terrell published research showing that Black people received significantly fewer jobs in the petrochemical industry than white people in Louisiana, despite having similar levels of training and education, is True. The evidence from the study, along with corroborating reports, supports this assertion, highlighting systemic racial disparities in employment within the industry.

Sources

1. Ecological Economics
2. People of Color are Systematically Underrepresented in ...
3. Black Residents Get Most of the Pollution but Few ...
4. Minorities 'systematically' underrepresented in U.S. ...
5. Oil and gas job promises out of reach for people of color
6. Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of ...
7. Study finds racial inequality in Louisiana industrial jobs
8. In communities of color, most oil and gas jobs still go to ...