How Systematic Racism Affects Black Children at School
The issue of racial bias greatly affects Black students and understanding the historical context of racism in education can help alleviate the continued inequality they endure.
Impact of Systemic Racism on School-Aged Children
Image source: Psych Central
Racism continues to plague our society, despite the progress made through brave advocacy. It’s disheartening to see that racial bias even affects those who are assumed to have children’s best interests at heart: teachers. A recent study has revealed that prospective teachers often misinterpret the emotions of Black children, particularly perceiving them as angry more frequently than their white peers. This leads to incorrect judgments, unfair treatment, and long-term ramifications.
Understanding Anger Bias
The study researchers have coined the term “racialized anger bias” to describe the bias that exists when interpreting the emotions of Black individuals. Racialized anger bias means that people interpret anger based on race rather than behavioral cues. This misperception of mood goes beyond a mere misunderstanding and can result in unfair treatment. It’s a form of racism when teachers, especially those unaware of their racial bias, judge their Black students’ emotions incorrectly.
This bias doesn’t only affect teachers; it influences other adults as well. A study involving resident physicians in a pediatric emergency department suggests that racial bias is prevalent among pediatric residents. However, more research is needed to understand the impact of this bias on inequalities in pediatric healthcare.
A Brief History of Racial Segregation in Schools
Racial segregation in public schools has scarred our nation’s history and continues to impact Black students today. Let’s take a brief look at some key events:
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- Jim Crow laws (1865): After the abolition of slavery in 1865, Jim Crow laws mandated racial segregation in public life, including schools. Black students attended separate and underfunded schools, reinforcing racial inequality. Acts of violence against Black people, including the destruction of schools and property, increased during this time.
- Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): The Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson upheld racial segregation by endorsing the “separate but equal” doctrine. Despite this mandate, Black individuals continued to experience inequality.
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Brown v. Board of Education overturned the notion of “separate but equal” and ordered the end of racial segregation in U.S. public schools.
- Little Rock Nine (1957): Nine Black students enrolled at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, formerly attended by only white students. They faced significant opposition, with the Arkansas National Guard blocking their entry to the school.
- Secession (2000): Since 2000, some communities have formed new school districts in predominantly white areas to obtain greater control and funding while segregating themselves from more diverse student populations.
How Racism Affects Black Students
Racism profoundly impacts a person’s quality of life, including their future prospects. For Black children, it manifests in various ways:
Racial Trauma
Racial trauma refers to the cumulative impact that racism has on mental health. Children, whose brains are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of racial trauma. It can lead to depression, anger, generalized and social anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional distress, physical symptoms, reduced concentration, social isolation, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance.
School-to-Prison Pipeline
The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the phenomenon of students transitioning from public school to the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This process often begins with disciplinary action disproportionately affecting Students of Color. “Zero-tolerance” policies, which impose severe consequences for minor infractions, contribute to this issue. Black students are expelled and suspended three times more often than their white counterparts, even when engaging in similar behavior.
Reducing Racial Disparities in the Classroom
Despite the progress made over the past century, there is still much work to do in improving the educational experiences of Black students. Here are some strategies to reduce racial disparities in the classroom:
Racial Bias Education for Teachers
Prospective teachers can take their awareness of influences like racialized anger bias into their classrooms. By actively acknowledging and working against this bias, they can build greater awareness of other biases they may hold and increase empathy when interacting with students. Resources such as “Preventing Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Childhood Settings” and “Critical Practices for Anti-bias Education: Teacher Leadership” can be helpful in this endeavor.
Representation
Increasing the number of Black teachers and counselors can help alleviate the impact of racial bias. Research has shown that Black students assigned to same-race teachers achieve higher reading scores. Additionally, it’s essential to provide images and stories that portray Black people in non-traumatic and noncriminal situations, as well as access to educational materials written by and about Black people.
Targeted Interventions
Identity-safety interventions can restore a sense of adequacy and personal security for racially marginalized students. Building trust between these students and school staff can reduce disciplinary events. Class sessions incorporating social belonging, values affirmation, and growth mindset interventions have shown promise in reducing citations among racially marginalized students.
Structured Decision-Making in Class
Educators should use established guidelines based on equity and anti-racism principles when making disciplinary decisions, rather than relying solely on their perceptions of a student’s behavior. This can help mitigate the impact of implicit bias.
In Conclusion
Studies have demonstrated that teachers’ biases can lead them to misperceive Black children as frequently angry. These incorrect judgments have severe consequences, perpetuating false assumptions, unfair treatment, and unequal opportunities in schools. Racialized anger bias in education is a form of racism, but with heightened awareness, educators can actively work to reduce racial disparities in the classroom.
Experiencing or witnessing racism can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. If you need support or guidance, consider speaking with a primary care doctor or mental health professional. Affordable therapy options are also available. You can find more information on how to find mental health support in Psych Central’s resource.
Q&A
Q: Are there any initiatives aiming to increase the representation of Black teachers? A: Yes, several initiatives focus on increasing the number of Black teachers and counselors. Research has shown that Black students assigned to same-race teachers achieve higher reading scores. Additionally, seeing images of Black people in positive and non-traumatic situations, sharing stories of Black strength and resilience, and having access to educational materials by and about Black people can all contribute to a more supportive educational environment.
Q: How can parents and caregivers support Black children facing racial bias in schools? A: Parents and caregivers can play a crucial role in supporting Black children facing racial bias. They can communicate openly with their children about their experiences, provide emotional support, and advocate for their rights within the educational system. Creating a strong support network and engaging with like-minded community organizations can also help address these challenges effectively.
Q: What steps can school administrators take to address racial bias in schools? A: School administrators have an essential role to play in addressing racial bias in schools. They can implement comprehensive anti-bias training programs for teachers and staff, establish clear disciplinary policies that prioritize fairness and equity, and actively promote diversity and inclusion within the school community. It’s important to create an open dialogue and encourage ongoing discussions about racial equity.
Q: Are there any ongoing debates or controversies regarding racial bias in education? A: The issue of racial bias in education remains a subject of ongoing debate and controversy. Some argue that bias is inherent in the educational system itself, while others believe that changes in teacher training and educational policies can effectively address these biases. Additionally, discussions about the role of standardized testing and its potential for perpetuating racial disparities continue to be topics of contention.
References:
- Prospective Teachers More Likely to Misperceive Black Children as Angry
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Now that you’ve gained valuable insights into how systematic racism affects Black children at school, it’s important to spread awareness about this issue. Share this article with others on social media and help create a more equitable and inclusive educational system. 💪🔥❤️
