Response to killing of George Floyd: What to do if students bring this up during learning

If it comes up in a group:

Are you comfortable with having this conversation? If not, anyone can leave the conversation at any time.

Then:

Ask open ended questions & provide nonjudgmental, validated, empathetic responses:

What do you know or what have you noticed?

What questions do you have about what you’ve seen or heard?

What do you want to see happen or what do you want to see done?

Pointers:

• Answer questions directly - do not fill in an answer to a question that wasn’t asked

• Only share facts that you know - do not perpetuate rumors

• Reassure safety in sharing what people are doing to try and keep safe (businesses closing early, curfews, family members in your home that you trust to help, etc.) but don’t over promise or make general statements like “you will be okay” or “nothing bad will happen” because we can’t guarantee that.

• Affirmation and Acknowledgement: Acknowledge that race is a critical organizing principle in society. Allow conversations about race to emerge.

• Respond to comments without judgement - focus on acknowledging how they are feeling.