When White Educators Talk about Race
The prospect of a Trump presidency has brought with it a rise in hate crimes and a heightened visibility for white supremacy in our country. As disturbing as this is, recent events have had at least one positive side-effect. More and more White educators are embracing conversations about race.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the ways we talk (or don’t talk) about race in our schools. This article on the Teaching Tolerance website sums up my experience as a student, educator and parent:
“Many black and brown students are educated in school systems and classrooms where they, despite making up the racial majority, are taught how to understand a world by a staff comprised of a powerful minority. When their teachers choose to remain silent about moments of racial tension or violence—violence that may well touch students’ own communities or families—these children are overtly reminded of their inferior place in society.”
Read more here.]
SFUSD will be rolling out Inclusive Schools Week across the district, December 5-9, 2016. As my daughters’ middle school prepares to have conversations around equity and inclusion, I wonder: “How will educators include conversations about race?”
When “well-meaning” White folks talk about race…
I’m glad that they are taking on these tough conversations. The 6th grade team at my daughters’ school has shown a high level of skill in creating warm and welcoming classrooms. Just last week I chaperoned a school field trip to a ropes course, and was so impressed with the way students cheered for one another as they climbed and repelled off 30 foot wooden columns! With this in mind, I know my daughters’ When White Educators Talk about Race - SF Public School MomSF Public School Mom: