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 while Black residents and white residents had comparable levels of education and training, Black individuals were substantially underrepresented in both high- and low-paying jobs in the petrochemical sector. Specifically, the study found that people of color made up 41% of the working-age population in Louisiana but held only 21% of higher-paying jobs and about 33% of lower-paying jobs in the industry (Ecological Economics, US News).

The study utilized data from various reputable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to support its findings (Ecological Economics, NOLA). Terrell noted that the disparities were consistent across different states and metro areas, emphasizing the systemic nature of the issue (US News).

Analysis

The findings from Terrell's study are corroborated by multiple sources, which highlight the underrepresentation of Black individuals in the petrochemical workforce despite similar educational qualifications. For instance, a report from the Louisiana Illuminator also indicated that people of color are systematically underrepresented in high-paying jobs across the petrochemical sector (Louisiana Illuminator).

Moreover, the study faced some criticism from industry representatives, who argued that it presented an incomplete picture of the petrochemical industry's employment practices. They pointed to workforce development programs aimed at increasing diversity in hiring (US News). However, the study itself suggests that educational attainment levels do not fully explain the disparities observed, as the gap in education between white residents and people of color was relatively modest (US News, NOLA).

The reliability of the sources cited in the analysis is generally high, as they include peer-reviewed research and reputable news outlets. The study's methodology and data sources further enhance its credibility, making the findings compelling and worthy of attention.

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 corroborated by multiple sources, indicating a systemic issue of racial disparity in employment within the petrochemical sector in Louisiana.

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. Petrochemical jobs bypass Black communities in Louisiana ...