Anti-racism

"Historically, racist views justified the unfair treatment and oppression of people of color (including enslavement, segregation, internment, etc.). We can be led to believe that racism is only about individual mindsets and actions, yet racist policies also contribute to our polarization. While individual choices are damaging, racist ideas in policy have a wide-spread impact by threatening the equity of our systems and the fairness of our institutions. To create an equal society, we must commit to making unbiased choices and being antiracist in all aspects of our lives.

Being antiracist is fighting against racism. Racism takes several forms and works most often in tandem with at least one other form to reinforce racist ideas, behavior, and policy. Being antiracist results from a conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life. In the absence of making antiracist choices, we (un)consciously uphold aspects of white supremacy, white-dominant culture, and unequal institutions and society." National Museum of African American History and Culture

"Being racist or antiracist is not about who you are; it is about what you do"

Building an Anti-racist Classroom

The standards for social justice promote justice and action. Developing an understanding of injustice and learning to take action against it can begin at home but is also the work of the classroom. One of the ultimate goals of public education is to prepare students to fully particpate in democratic society. Teaching students to recognize and fight against injustice is one way to meet this goal.

"The Social Justice Standards are a road map for anti-bias education at every stage of K–12 instruction. Comprised of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes, the Standards provide a common language and organizational structure educators can use to guide curriculum development and make schools more just and equitable.

Divided into four domains—identity, diversity, justice and action (IDJA)—the Standards recognize that, in today's diverse classrooms, students need knowledge and skills related to both prejudice reduction and collective action. Together, these domains represent a continuum of engagement in anti-bias, multicultural and social justice education. The IDJA domains are based on Louise Derman-Sparks’ four goals for anti-bias education in early childhood." Teaching Tolerance

Take a closer look at this document to learn more about SJ Standards,

related learning targets, and professional development for each standard domain.

How To Be An Antiracist

Creating a more equitable society is in White America's self interest

The Difference Between Being "Not Racist" and Being Antiracist

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

Talking About Race, Smithsonian African American History Museum

A must-watch series: Bookmarks

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, features Black celebrities and artists reading children’s books written by Black authors. These aren't powerful stories that are fun to watch, they are the perfect place to open a dialogue about identity, respect, justice, and action—in your classroom or your living room.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Anti-racism at home

Use these resources to learn how to begin conversations at home with your children