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Introduction
Introduction
This subpage will dive deep into ideas and trains of thought into how to handle any unintentional or intentional racism in the classroom and in our schools. That as teachers we need to be self-aware, and practice continued self-evaluations in order to overcome implicit biases that we may hold. In addition, be an ally for our students and stick up for them when we spot discrimination on our schools or in our classrooms. The last thing a student should see from their educator is silence, because silence means sympathizing with harmful beliefs to them. This subpage will include different avenues to improve this area in ourselves and be more conscious of our actions for the future. As well as look into different theories like Intersectionality as an example to further our understanding and pool of empathy.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality
This is a theory that has us look into different parts our identities and see how they many compound struggles, not just for our students, but also for others around us. This video is from Kimberle Crenshaw a prominent figure in the development of intersectionality and professor at UCLA. The theory began as a legal framework to see the short comings of our laws but has since then spread to other practices to perpetuate a more tolerant and understanding society.
Au, W. (Ed.). (2014). Rethinking multicultural education : teaching for racial and cultural justice (Second edition.). Rethinking Schools, Ltd.
Four Dimensions to Racism
Four Dimensions to Racism
Institutional- racism is practices at a school that reinforce racist standards.
Structural- racism is where multiple institutions uphold harmful standards that disproportionally affect students of color.
Interpersonal- racism are acts of racism that occur from person to person.
Internalized- racism are subtle and overt messages of negative stereotypes that harm people's own opinion of themselves.
Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2018). Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education (7th ed.). Pearson.
Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2018). Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education (7th ed.). Pearson.
Restorative Justice, Countering Discrimination
Restorative Justice, Countering Discrimination
In our public schools we see some predatory and discriminatory practices in the aspect of discipline. Where students of color receive harsh and more frequent punishments that only teach the child through more harsh measures. As a result of such practices, we've only added more bodies to the prison system pool especially for children who come from lower socioeconomic positions. Off to the side is an example of what is called a restorative circle, another form of discipline that doesn't rely on punitive measures. The idea is to give the students the space to talk it out with a mediator, versus a person of authority simply passing judgement.
Addressing discrimination and promoting justice in schools requires implementing policies and practices that foster inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect among students and staff, no matter what culture they come from. It involves creating a supportive and safe learning environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Additionally, it often involves actively addressing systemic biases and prejudices through education, awareness-raising initiatives, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and regulations.
Overcoming our Biases
Overcoming our Biases
We must take action first on behalf of our students to affect real change. This means doing some hard self-reflection and point the spotlight our ourselves in an effort to be better than what we were the day before. Below is a link to a Harvard implicit bias test and above is a video to further help us better understand the situation.
Cultivating Future Advocates
Cultivating Future Advocates
Not only should use as educators or people who care for the student be advocates for them, but we should also help our students develop the skill set to be self-advocates. Helping them to develop the skills and desires to be social warriors for themselves and others. Above is a video that can help us achieve it.
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