This article is an argument for the inclusion of nuanced concepts like colorism in the public administration lexicon. Colorism is skin color discrimination—the darker the skin, the more likely an individual will be subject to discrimination. To a fault, colorism has been aligned with racial discrimination. This enmeshment has created a population of uncounted victims. Currently, public organizations have no way to detect administrator-citizen/client colorism that might transpire during the public encounter. The article discusses these conditions and strategies for addressing knowledge and practice gaps associated with this form of colorism. In addition, it provides action steps for practice, pedagogy, and research.
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