A new study indicates that college and university students facing discrimination are far more likely to report stressors negatively affecting their mental health than others. Although institutions of higher education are grappling with solutions—namely counseling—many students reportedly leave therapy programs with higher overall rates of social isolation, distress, and thoughts of suicide. If you or a loved one faces trauma from discrimination at their college or university, contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or through our online consultation service.

Study Shows Discrimination's Toll on Student Mental Health

The report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State University asserts that students who face discrimination are more likely than their peers to report high levels of social isolation, suicidal ideation, and general distress to their counselors. The analysis—which included 78,432 students across 85 college counseling centers—claims the numbers are even higher for those experiencing multiple types of discrimination, including racism and sexism.

Roughly 20 percent of students who attended college counseling sessions starting in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 academic years reported that they had experienced discrimination within the past six months in at least one of six categories:

• Disability
• Gender
• Nationality or country of origin
• Race, ethnicity, or culture
• Religion
• Sexual orientation

The report highlights the connection between discrimination and trauma, explaining that discrimination is “not a mental health problem but rather a social one.” And while it has a nationwide prevalence on college campuses, it remains a little-discussed topic.

How Trauma from Discrimination Can Harm Students

Despite colleges and universities working toward finding solutions, there remains an absence of “awareness” in the campus culture. Therefore, some students may be unaware of how they may be able to navigate situations revolving around discrimination.

Counseling centers have become more prepared and trained to have conversations about discrimination and the trauma thereof with students, but many continue to assert that counseling doesn't solve discrimination or entirely heal a student's trauma. Schools may conclude that ridding campuses of various triggers is an impossible challenge.

How Can the Lento Law Firm Help?

Colleges and universities have a mandate to protect the health and well-being of their campus community members. You may think that retaining an attorney is a major first step to take. However, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can be a value proposition for many reasons.

Schools may claim they are doing everything within their charter to protect the student body, but our team will examine their policies to determine if there have been any violations related to discrimination or its handling of student trauma. Oftentimes, incidents involving discrimination use different procedures than general misconduct, and we can advise you on how to proceed.

The Lento Law Firm can also engage in negotiations with the college or university to seek resolutions and accommodations, connecting students with the help they need to graduate. Call us at 888-535-3686 now or go online and use the confidential consultation service.