Universalism is Not White: Commentary on Sue, Neville, Smith (2024)

This commentary responds to Sue, Neville, and Smith's (2024) claim that principles such as universalism, individualism, objectivism, and empiricism are "pillars of white epistemology." Drawing on W.E.B. Du Bois' embrace of Western intellectual traditions, this commentary argues that such ideals are not inherently racialized but rather central to human flourishing. In their critique of universalism, Sue and colleagues conflate the misapplication of universalism with the intended meaning of the concept. Rather than characterizing universalism in racial terms, this commentary contends that its accurate application promotes fairness and inclusivity and aligns with civil rights and human rights movements. Defining valuable concepts like universalism through a racial lens risks alienating scholars and undermining ideas that could advance mental health and psychological research across all demographics.