Anti-Racist Cirriculum
The threat:
Anti-racist education has faced various forms of opposition, censorship, and threats in high schools across the United States. For example:
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Several states have passed laws banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools. These laws prohibit educators from teaching concepts that may make students "feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress" due to discussions of systemic racism or privilege.
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Some parents and conservative groups have pressured school boards and administrators to limit or censor discussions about race and racism in the classroom. This pressure often takes the form of protests, petitions, and threats of legal action.
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Some educators and school boards have attempted to downplay or whitewash the history of racism in the US. For example, some schools have revised or removed teachings on slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement from their curricula.
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Teachers and administrators who want to include anti-racist education may fear backlash from parents or conservative groups, leading them to self-censor or avoid certain topics.
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These threats to anti-racist education in high schools are a cause for concern, as they can limit students' understanding of the complex issues of race and racism in the US and prevent them from developing the critical thinking skills needed to address these issues in their communities.
Position Paper 1:
Anti-racist education is needed in public schools
Feel free to use or modify for speaking at your own local school board meetings
It is important for high schools to teach anti-racist curriculum because racism is a pervasive and persistent problem in many societies, and it is important to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat it. By teaching anti-racism in schools, students can learn to recognize and challenge racist beliefs and behaviors in themselves and others, develop empathy and understanding for people from diverse backgrounds, and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
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There are many reasons why anti-racist curriculum is important. First, racism can have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of people who experience it. Racism can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and depression, among other things. By teaching anti-racism in schools, students can learn to recognize and challenge racism, which can help to reduce the negative impact it has on people's lives.
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Second, racism can contribute to systemic inequalities in areas such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare. By teaching anti-racism in schools, students can learn about the ways in which racism operates and how it can be perpetuated through systems and structures. This knowledge can help students to become advocates for change and work towards building more equitable and just societies.
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Finally, teaching anti-racism in schools can help to foster empathy and understanding among students from different backgrounds. By learning about the experiences of people from different racial and ethnic groups, students can develop a greater appreciation for diversity and a deeper understanding of the challenges that people from marginalized communities may face.
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Overall, teaching anti-racist curriculum in high schools is an important step towards building a more equitable and just society. It can help to reduce the negative impact of racism on people's lives, promote empathy and understanding among students, and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Position Paper 2:
Anti-racist education does not promote white shame
Feel free to use or modify for speaking at your own local school board meetings
Anti-racist education does not lead white children to feel bad about themselves because the purpose of anti-racist education is not to shame or blame individuals for the actions of their ancestors or for being white. Rather, anti-racist education aims to challenge and dismantle the systems of oppression and inequality that have been created and perpetuated by people in power, regardless of their individual racial identities.
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Anti-racist education teaches all children, including white children, about the history of racism and discrimination, the effects of systemic racism on marginalized communities, and how to identify and address racism in themselves and in their communities. It encourages students to critically analyze their own biases and privileges, and to take responsibility for creating a more equitable and just society.
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Anti-racist education does not teach that being white is inherently bad or that all white people are racist. Instead, it teaches that racism is a systemic issue that affects everyone, and that it is important for individuals of all racial backgrounds to work together to address it.
In short, anti-racist education aims to create a more equitable and just society for everyone, and does not seek to make any individual feel bad about themselves based on their racial identity.
Position Paper 3:
Talking about race does not "keep racism going"
Feel free to use or modify for speaking at your own local school board meetings
Talking about race does not promote more racism. In fact, discussing race openly and honestly is one of the most effective ways to combat racism.
Here are some reasons why:
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Increases awareness and understanding: Talking about race can increase awareness and understanding of the experiences of people from different racial backgrounds. It can help people develop empathy and compassion for others, and build bridges between communities.
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Challenges stereotypes and biases: When we talk about race, we can challenge stereotypes and biases that are based on misinformation or ignorance. This can help us to recognize and reject harmful stereotypes and biases, and to embrace a more nuanced and accurate understanding of different racial groups.
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Promotes accountability and action: Talking about race can promote accountability and action. By acknowledging and discussing the ways that racism affects different communities, we can identify areas where change is needed and take steps to create a more just and equitable society.
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Builds relationships and community: Talking about race can build relationships and community. When we have open and honest conversations about race, we can connect with others who share our experiences or who have different perspectives. This can create a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Talking about race is an important step towards combating racism and building a more inclusive and equitable society.