Addressing Racism and Inequity in School Settings
How can staff support students as issues of race and discrimination arise?
Given the amount of time that children and youth spend within school settings and the diversity that can been seen in the populations of many school communities, it is imperative that schools are prepared to have conversations about race and can adequately support students who may be experiencing racism or discrimination from other students or staff. The policies and procedures put forth by school districts should help to ensure that there is equity, inclusion, and equal rights for all students. A list of the different ways that school administrators and staff can support students in pre-k through 12th grade is detailed below.
- Help students feel that their questions are welcomed and encourage them to share feelings.
- Listen to the students and answer questions honestly with age-appropriate responses.
- Utilize opportunities for students to express feelings through drawing and art activities.
- Include class activities that to identify differences and support kindness and fairness.
- Assist students in processing their feelings in a safe classroom environment.
- Build opportunities for students to engage in positive interactions with other students.
- Be sensitive to a student's emotions and temperament and connect them to counseling services if need. Oftentimes we may not know what may trigger a student or the experiences that they have had related to racism and discrimination.
- Keep the lines of communication open to discuss their concerns, encourage students to ask questions, and be clear, direct, and factual in the information you provide.
- Utilize opportunities for students to express feelings through writing, drawing, and journaling activities.
- Don’t avoid talking about it—students have access to a range of information and may know a lot of current events with their school, community, and nationally.
- Establish peer support groups to build opportunities for student to support each other and learn more about individual differences.
- Be sensitive to a student's emotions and temperament and connect them to counseling services if need. Oftentimes we may not know what may trigger a student or the experiences that they have had related to racism and discrimination.
Supporting positive interactions and conversations among students
Within a school community there are likely students of different races, religions, sexual orientations, etc. Therefore, choosing not to have conversations about racism and discrimination can further the divide between students or create environments that are hostile or tension-filled. In addition, school should promote messages that encourage students to respect the preferences, beliefs, and experiences of others. In addition to encouraging students or staff to celebrate the diversity, uniqueness, and individuality of their peers or colleagues it is important that everyone takes time to identify any biases or negative beliefs that they may have.
Schools should be intentional about creating safe spaces for students and staff to have conversations about individual differences, biases, and stereotypes misconceptions. Students and staff should enter conversations with peers and colleagues with the goal of learning and understanding more about others. If you are not sure about something, try to educate yourself by using a credible source or have a genuine conversation with others even if it may be uncomfortable.
Addressing the achievement gap and access to education across racial groups
There are long-standing gaps in the educational outcomes for African American and Latinx students when compared to the achievement of their counterparts. In addition, even within the same school district we tend to see differences in the quality of the school buildings, availability of resources offered, and access to future opportunities depending on the neighborhood where the school is located. Equal funding across schools is critical to ensuring that schools located in low-income neighborhoods are not at a funding disadvantage and receive equitable resources. It is important to remember that many students, particularly low-income or minority students, may be experiencing multiple stressors or risks which can make it difficult to focus on academics. Schools can help to address the disparities seen across students by connect students and families with social and mental health services, expand or creating tutoring and summer school programs, creating a mentor program, and implementing a needs assessment to better understand the barriers to academic achievement.
Examining disparities in disciplinary action across racial groups
There are decades of evidence which indicate that African American students are significantly more likely to be suspended from school or face disciplinary action when compared to White students within the same schools. Similar disparities have been observed when comparing Latinx and White students. Schools can help to address these disparities by utilizing restorative justice practices before implementing zero tolerance policies, calling security, etc. In addition, given the range of stressors and risks that many students are exposed to daily, when possible schools should consider the impact of past or current trauma exposure and consult with their school mental health professional before implementing disciplinary action.
Click UYTC Race and Social Justice Guide to download a printable copy of the UYTC Race and Social Justice Guide, which includes recommendations and resources that can be used to support providers and families around issues involving racism, inequity, and social injustice.