What Racism In Schools Look Like

What Racism in Schools Look Like

This is definitely a hot topic for discussion. This topic, although very controversial, is very needed to be talked about. In the past couple months, this topic has really sweeped the nation! Especially since the death of Geroge Floyd, along with a ton of riots and the Black Lives Matter Movement. The article choses to talk about how all aspects of America should examine areas of systemic injustice, especially in the school system. American schools are segregated based on income and ethnicity. Where students live determines the quality of education students will receive. Black and Latinx communities receive less educational opportunities than white communities. There are many teachers in predominantly black and Latinx schools that are white. Having white teachers means that they also have different life experiences than their students. A question that was asked in the article was, “How do black and Latinx children stand a chance to succeed when the ones responsible for educating them view black and brown students through the lens of bias and stereotypes?” Which is exactly the point of the article when it talks about what racism looks like in schools. There is also an issue with the lack of cultural sensitivity. This is demonstrated by districts when students must enter school buildings named after figures connected to the Confederacy. School names such as these are demeaning and offensive, and even bring about fear to minorities. As a school counselor it is my job to advocate for every child. In turn, now that I know this information, I can better advocate for the children that are experiencing fear of school. Especially minorities, who are feeling ostracised and afraid. Also I will be able to provide better resources as a counselor to the each community I come in contact with. The point of the article however is to educate and schools about cultural incompetence. They can educate school systems by engaging staff in cross-cultural communication! Difficult conversations such as these will teach schools about the deficiencies and areas of bias, discrimination, and stereotypes that exist in every school building. The continuation of remaining silent is a disservice black and brown children, and they want justice.