Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk recently claimed that “Black women do not have brain processing power to be taken seriously” and must “steal a white person’s slot.” However, this assertion is not supported by evidence and misrepresents both scientific research and the reality of educational and professional achievement.
No scientific basis for racial or gender inferiority
Extensive research in psychology and neuroscience shows no biological differences in intelligence based on race or gender. Variations in academic or professional outcomes are overwhelmingly linked to social and economic factors, not innate ability.
Black women’s proven academic and professional success
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Black women have been one of the fastest-growing groups in higher education, earning college and graduate degrees at increasing rates. In leadership, Black women have risen to prominent roles, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the scientist who played a key role in developing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The myth of “stealing slots”
Kirk’s claim also reflects a common mischaracterization of affirmative action. Research shows that Black students remain underrepresented in elite universities compared to their share of the U.S. population. Furthermore, studies indicate that white women, not Black students, have been among the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action policies.
Conclusion
Kirk’s remarks are factually baseless and dismissive of the documented achievements of Black women in academia, science, politics, and business. Experts say such rhetoric undermines meaningful discussion of systemic inequalities while ignoring the proven contributions of Black women across multiple fields.
