How To Talk To High School Students About Race
Ethan Schwartz
Throughout the past year, the United States has undergone a reckoning on the issue of race in America. High-profile police killings of Black Americans like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, have brought racial justice and racial inequity to the forefront of the public discourse.
This focus on racial justice and racial inequity has spurred the question of how to talk to young people, specifically high school students, about the issue of race in the classroom.
In the past few months states like Texas and Tennessee have cracked down, banning schools from teaching “critical race theory” in classes.
Teaching about race and social justice can create more empathy among students by getting them to think from a perspective different from their own personal one, as well as get students to further develop their critical thinking skills.
Many high schools are cautious to bring up the subject of racism because it is so complex and divisive. Administrators are aware of the potential of being seen as politically motivated, and in the end, often appease neither side. Because of this, it can be easier and safer to avoid the subject entirely. Rather than raising racism to our attention, we often wish it would just go away.
However, we must confront actual challenges in order to advance meaningful solutions. Educators must have the opportunity to discuss racism in a constructive and beneficial way. While it is important educators have these opportunities, these conversations must be carefully developed, seized, prepared, and controlled.
Talking to students about racial justice and racial inequity is important in order to create values of tolerance. There are a few ideas for how to have this tough conversation.
The first idea is to have the students fill out a journal that allows reflection on issues about race. Students can then share with a smaller group within the class if they feel comfortable doing so. These reflections can be about students’ personal experiences or just their opinions. This creates an environment of acceptance and allows students to start thinking about race with a different lens than their own personal experiences, as well as being curious while having a respectful discourse.
The second idea that has been talked about is expanding the academic curriculum to read historical literature that offers a different perspective on history and a different experience of marginalized groups in the United States. This would benefit students as it would allow them to learn about race from a perspective that is too often ignored in the public school curriculum. Although many states already do this, expanding this nationwide can close the gaps between students across the country.
There are other solutions that are being floated by teachers as well as community activists, but no matter where you stand on this issue, the conversation should be had.
Contacting your representative, as well as tracking bills that relate to federal education, such as bills about critical race theory being taught in the public school curriculum, are small but vital steps in making sure that your voice is heard when it comes to this issue. Future generations should be fully informed and capable of having these tough conversations about racial justice and racial inequality; that starts with a strong education. Share this article with friends and family to get them thinking about this important issue.
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