How to Talk to Your Students About Racism
We hear you. We acknowledge you. We stand with you.
For the past two weeks, we at CMI have been working through the anger, horror, and sadness brought across this country by George Floyd’s death. We have come face to face with our own privilege and have struggled with how we, personally, will work to end the racism around us. We are heartened by the demonstrations taking place across the globe in the hopes that this can be the beginning of real and lasting change.
The opportunity is at hand.
What we do about this right now matters! No longer can we let ourselves believe that oppression for one group doesn’t have an impact on all of us. No longer can we delude ourselves into thinking that someone else will take care of it. It is up to each and every one of us to step up to the plate and become part of the solution.
As awful as these events always are, and as many protests, as we’ve watched over the decades, maybe this time… maybe this time we’ve reached critical mass in our resolve. Maybe this time enough of us are changing our language and our action. Maybe this time we can set a new course for dealing with racism.
We in America are not skilled at having conversations about race. I know as I attempt to address this situation with you all that my own ignorance and unintentional bias will be evident. But we must start somewhere, so I’m starting with the best of intentions and hoping for the response to be one with understanding and goodwill.
Start where you are! Help students wrestle through these difficult issues.
Our job in education is to create an environment in which everyone feels respected such that all can voice their beliefs and opinions. Read our newest blog article on how to:
Start a conversation
Set up a virtual Safe Room or an open drop-in conversation
Encourage students toward positive action
I want to know more!
Above all, stay safe and stay kind. Our students need to see good behavior modeled in the real world. These challenges provide that opportunity.
Cheri Lovre
Crisis Management Institute
