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 was published, revealing 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 in this sector, despite having comparable levels of education and training to their white counterparts (Ecological Economics, US News). Specifically, while people of color made up 41% of the working-age population in Louisiana, they occupied only 21% of higher-paying jobs and approximately 33% of lower-paying jobs in the petrochemical industry (NOLA).

The study utilized data from various reputable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to substantiate its findings. It highlighted that the educational attainment gap between Black residents and white residents was relatively modest, with college attainment rates of 30% for white residents compared to 20% for people of color (US News, NOLA). This suggests that the disparity in job acquisition cannot be solely attributed to differences in education or training.

Analysis

The findings of Terrell's study are corroborated by multiple sources, indicating a consistent pattern of racial inequity in the petrochemical industry. For instance, a report from the Louisiana Illuminator noted that minorities are systematically underrepresented in high-paying jobs across the petrochemical sector (Louisiana Illuminator). Furthermore, the study's conclusions align with long-standing community observations regarding the lack of job opportunities for Black residents in areas heavily impacted by pollution from chemical plants (US News).

Critically, while the chemical industry has disputed these findings, claiming that the study presents an incomplete picture, the evidence provided by Terrell and her team is robust. The study's reliance on comprehensive data sources enhances its credibility, and the assertion that educational disparities do not account for the underrepresentation of Black workers is particularly significant (NOLA). The industry’s response, which emphasizes workforce development initiatives, appears to be more of a public relations effort rather than a substantive counter to the data presented (US News).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Terrell published research in April 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 accurate. The study's findings are well-supported by data and reflect a troubling trend of racial inequity in employment within the industry.

Sources

1. Ecological Economics
2. People of Color are Systematically Underrepresented in ...
3. Minorities 'systematically' underrepresented in U.S. ...
4. Black Residents Get Most of the Pollution but Few ...
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 ...