University of Washington Dismisses Plagiarism Complaint Against White Fragility Author

The University of Washington dismissed a plagiarism complaint against Robin DiAngelo, author of 'White Fragility,' on September 16, 2024. The complaint, filed in August, alleged that DiAngelo had committed research misconduct in her 2004 dissertation, 'Whiteness in Racial Dialogue: A Discourse Analysis.' The university's investigation concluded that the evidence did not meet its criteria for plagiarism, which requires the appropriation of another's ideas or words without proper credit. DiAngelo's dissertation cited the scholars whose work she referenced and included them in her bibliography. However, the complaint pointed out instances where she allegedly used lengthy passages that closely mirrored the original sources without quotation marks. Despite these claims, the university found no basis for further inquiry into her thesis. In response to the dismissal, DiAngelo characterized the allegations as politically motivated attempts to undermine her work in antiracism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives. She noted that similar accusations have been directed at progressive scholars, particularly those who are Black, suggesting a broader agenda to discredit their contributions. The university's decision not to pursue the complaint reflects its commitment to uphold academic integrity while also recognizing the importance of crediting original sources. This case highlights ongoing tensions in the academic community regarding issues of race, scholarship, and the scrutiny faced by those engaged in D.E.I. efforts.