Racism in the Classroom- What are teachers saying about this?

When is the last time you had a discussion about racism in your class?

This website I found during research shows a Ten-Point Checklist for students to practice exactly what they can do about racism in the classroom. The most valuable point I thought the checklist mentioned was the idea of a "zero-tolerance policy".

Advocate for a Zero-Tolerance Policy at your school. This means that regardless of how insignificant a racist or discriminatory comment or act might seem, their will be
consequences for it. We must also be aware that Zero-Tolerance does not just apply to
discrimination that takes place on the basis of race. It also incorporates sexism,
homophobia, ageism, discrimination based on religion, able-bodiedness, among others.

When thinking back on my classroom experience I can remember when my teachers would ask if any of us knew what racism was. As a 9-yr-old student I had an idea that racism was bad, but I didn't know exactly what it was. My teacher explained that racism was treating somebody in a bad or a different way because of their color or race. And this was the idea I had of racism. We had group activities to promote anti-racism and we were encouraged to embrace what made us unique. But what did I really learn about racism...that by coloring and making masks that I could make an actual difference in stopping the racism that goes in within schools at least? No. I wish I had teachers that spoke to the class in a way that effectively showed us how to make a difference. One of the websites I found showed some ways in which racism can be taught and understood in the classroom.

HOW CAN ADMINISTRATORS PREVENT RACISM?


1. Articulate a clear statement of expectations regarding racism.

2. Establish and enforce a series of consequences for violations of those expectations.

3. Respond to racial incidents quickly and fairly by gathering adequate evidence. Correction should be remedial.

4. Discourage students from congregating on the school grounds according to race.

5. Design seating assignments with a priority on integration.

6. Rely on peer counseling whenever possible.

7. Seek advice and support from parent and student advisory boards.

8. Enlist the help and advice of key minority leaders in the community for teacher workshops, assemblies, and arbitration of racial incidents when appropriate.

9. Reward those who strive to reduce racism in their schools and classrooms.

10. Hire and assign an appropriate balance of minority faculty and staff to act as role-models and provide an adequate base of authority for policies and discipline.

In addition to this quote, "Educators can employ several strategic, motivational, and confrontational means to change racist behavior. The following list incorporates some steps that have been proved effective" (Diane Pollard 1989, Lloyd Foster 1989, James VanSciver 1989, and others).


I think that teachers should use different methods of teaching about racism so they have a better understanding of it. By using the checklist that the website proposed I think it is a valuable tool to use because it acknowledges that racism exists and helps students realize what they can do to make a difference.