For instance, you can say something like: “Stop messing with me. Don’t you have anything better to do?” If you really want to hit the message home, say something like: “I’m sorry that your life is so boring that you have to be mean in order to feel good about yourself. ” If someone is making a racist joke, don’t be afraid to call them out on it.
If someone makes a racist comment about your appearance, choose to be proud of that quality. For instance, if a group of kids in the cafeteria tend to make racist jokes, sit at a table far away from them. If you know a place where several racist bullies tend to hang out, see if you can find an alternate route.
For instance, if you’re seated next to a student who makes a lot of racist comments, your teacher can switch your assigned seat. If racism is a big problem for some students in your class, your teacher may be able to make a direct announcement addressing the problem. Some universities offer counseling services geared towards minority groups.
For example, you can say something like: “What gives you the right to say something so hateful like that? You really need to educate yourself. ” You can also be an ally with other simple gestures, like walking another student to class or sitting with them at lunch.
If your school doesn’t already have a multicultural club, talk to a teacher about starting one.
For instance, you can ask your child’s teacher to hold a cultural celebration day where students can eat different foods and watch movies that focus on different cultures and minorities.
A lot of schools have anti-bullying programs that you can use to your advantage.
If you eliminate racist language and behavior at home, you can help make the school a safer place, too.
Studies show that over 1 million students in America go to schools with law enforcement officers but without a nurse, and 6 million students attend schools with police officers and no psychologists.
When it comes to kids, honesty is the best policy. While you don’t need to go into any graphic details, you can still present the injustices of racism at home. You can describe what stereotypes are to your children, and explain why they’re harmful to other people. As your kids get older, try to keep them engaged with what’s going on in the world. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, like “What are your thoughts on this?” or “Does this seem fair?” For instance, you can read books that discuss anti-racism to your children. [11] X Research source
If minority students feel like their teachers don’t care about their negative experiences, they may not share what’s going on at all.
For instance, Rethinking Schools and Teaching Tolerance are great resources to consider. For example, you can create a lesson that focuses on voting rights in the middle of a crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. [15] X Research source
For instance, you can center your lessons around the American Civil Rights movement. Start discussions with some open-ended but pointed questions, like: “What causes minority groups in our country?”; “Do you think minority groups are encouraged to embrace their culture in public?”; and “Why is it important for people to embrace their cultural identity?” Anti-racism is the movement to actively fight against racism in society. [17] X Research source
For instance, you can point out how African Americans and Latinos are 2 examples of minority groups in America.
For instance, Flocabulary’s The Week In Rap and Time for Kids are great materials to consult as you plan your lesson.
For instance, studies show that black girls are more likely to be suspended than girls from other backgrounds.
