A straight-A student at Stanislaus State was dismissed from the university’s Master of Social Work program for what faculty described as a disrespectful communication style and unprofessional behavior.
Shantel Johnson, 57, believes her dismissal was rooted in implicit bias — specifically “tone policing” and the “angry Black woman” stereotype. She said that she also believes the program discriminates against older students and that others in the program have had similar experiences.
“I sacrificed a lot to get here,” Johnson said. “I’m in college to learn to be a better speaker, to be a better writer, and that’s why I’m in school.”…